CRN case studies
CRN · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) credential is a specialty certification for registered nurses who practice in imaging and procedural areas - diagnostic radiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology. It signals that a nurse has moved beyond general bedside competency into the specific workflows of a department where contrast agents, ionizing radiation, sedation, and rapid procedural turnover are routine. The exam samples broadly across five content areas: patient assessment and preparation before a study; radiologic procedures, contrast media, and interventional care; radiation safety, environment of care, and injury prevention; patient and family education, communication, and psychosocial support; and professional practice, quality improvement, and legal or ethical issues. Questions tend to be scenario-based rather than recall-based, so the strongest preparation is a structured gap analysis. The CRN case studies are 5 cases and about 2,963 words.
1The Patient with 'Iodine Allergy' and an eGFR of 24
H is a 68-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and stage 4 chronic kidney disease (eGFR 24 mL/min/1.73 m², creatinine 2.6 mg/dL) scheduled at 14:00 for a contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate a suspected postoperative abscess. He takes metformin 1,000 mg twice daily; his last dose was this morning.
624 words, about 3 min2Breakthrough Anaphylaxis After Premedication
L is a 54-year-old woman with asthma undergoing CT-guided biopsy of a lung nodule under moderate sedation. Six years ago she developed hives after iodinated contrast.
583 words, about 3 min3Dose Creep During a Long Fluoroscopic Case
D is a 78-year-old man (BMI 42) undergoing a complex fluoroscopically guided biliary procedure. Total fluoroscopy time reaches 28 minutes and the displayed reference-point air kerma is 3.2 Gy.
608 words, about 3 min4Interpreted Consent and a Family Request to Withhold Information
W is a 62-year-old Mandarin-speaking woman referred for a stereotactic core biopsy after an abnormal screening mammogram. She has lived in the US for two years and speaks limited English.
598 words, about 3 min5The Near-Miss That Exposed a Pattern
On a busy Monday, Mr. is brought to CT for a contrast-enhanced abdomen.
550 words, about 3 min