CDN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which infection control practice is most effective in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in dialysis patients? → Strict hand hygiene and aseptic technique during catheter access
2. What is the primary purpose of including the patient in developing their interdialytic weight gain goal? → To improve adherence through shared decision-making
3. Which medication should be administered with meals to a dialysis patient with hyperphosphatemia? → Phosphate binder
4. What is the AAMI recommended maximum level for bacteria in dialysis water? → 100 CFU/mL
5. IV iron supplementation is indicated in dialysis patients when ferritin is below what threshold despite ESA therapy? → 200 ng/mL
6. Which ESRD complication is characterized by elevated PTH, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia? → Secondary hyperparathyroidism
7. Which phosphate binder is safe to use in dialysis patients with hypercalcemia? → Sevelamer hydrochloride
8. What is the most appropriate nursing action when a patient reports severe muscle cramps during hemodialysis? → Reduce ultrafiltration rate and administer hypertonic saline or glucose
9. Which sign indicates that a patient is not adhering to fluid restrictions between dialysis sessions? → Consistent interdialytic weight gain of 4–5 kg
10. Which factor would most directly increase the Kt/V delivered to a patient? → Extending the treatment time from 3 to 4 hours
11. What is the purpose of measuring post-dialysis BUN 30–60 seconds after stopping the blood pump (slow-flow sample)? → To allow cardiopulmonary recirculation to equilibrate for accurate Kt/V calculation
12. Which dietary restriction is unique to peritoneal dialysis patients compared to hemodialysis patients? → Fluid restriction is typically more liberal
13. A dialysis patient's predialysis serum potassium is 6.8 mEq/L. Which dialysate potassium concentration is most appropriate? → 2.0 mEq/L
14. Which psychosocial factor is most strongly associated with mortality in dialysis patients? → Depression
15. During hemodialysis, the blood pump stops and blood is observed to be dark in the arterial line. What is the most likely cause? → Arterial needle clotting or dislodgement
16. A dialysis patient presents with a serum calcium of 11.8 mg/dL. Which medication is the most likely culprit? → Calcium carbonate phosphate binder
17. Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is most likely to occur in which clinical scenario? → New patient receiving first aggressive hemodialysis treatment with high BUN
18. Which sign is the BEST indicator of AV graft thrombosis? → Absence of bruit and thrill
19. What is the correct response when the air detector alarm activates during hemodialysis? → Immediately clamp the venous line and stop the blood pump
20. What problem occurs when calcium or magnesium precipitates out of dialysate concentrate? → Scale buildup in tubing that can contaminate dialysate and clog proportioning systems
21. What is the recommended target range for dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) in hemodialysis patients per KDOQI guidelines? → ≥1.2 per session
22. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with muscle cramps during hemodialysis? → Hypocalcemia
23. Which dialysate bicarbonate concentration is typically used for hemodialysis patients with metabolic acidosis? → 35–38 mEq/L
24. A newly diagnosed ESRD patient expresses denial and refuses to learn about dialysis. What is the best therapeutic approach? → Acknowledge emotions, provide time to adjust, and offer information at the patient's pace
25. Which dietary education point is MOST important for a dialysis patient with consistently elevated pre-dialysis potassium levels? → Identify and limit high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes
26. Between hemodialysis treatments, weight gain shouldn't surpass → 5% of dry weight
27. A patient's dialysis access shows a bruit that has changed from soft to high-pitched. What does this finding indicate? → Possible stenosis or partial occlusion of the access
28. What does the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) in the United States primarily measure? → Clinical outcomes and quality metrics to determine Medicare reimbursement
29. A peritoneal dialysis patient reports cloudy effluent with abdominal pain and fever. The nurse should suspect: → Peritonitis
30. A patient begins dialysis and their blood in the arterial line appears bright pink or 'cherry red.' What condition should be suspected? → Carbon monoxide poisoning from hemolysis in water treatment failure