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. What is the AAMI recommended maximum level for bacteria in dialysis water? → 100 CFU/mL
4. IV iron supplementation is indicated in dialysis patients when ferritin is below what threshold despite ESA therapy? → 200 ng/mL
5. Which phosphate binder is safe to use in dialysis patients with hypercalcemia? → Sevelamer hydrochloride
6. 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
7. Which sign indicates that a patient is not adhering to fluid restrictions between dialysis sessions? → Consistent interdialytic weight gain of 4–5 kg
8. Which factor would most directly increase the Kt/V delivered to a patient? → Extending the treatment time from 3 to 4 hours
9. 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
10. A dialysis patient's predialysis serum potassium is 6.8 mEq/L. Which dialysate potassium concentration is most appropriate? → 2.0 mEq/L
11. Which psychosocial factor is most strongly associated with mortality in dialysis patients? → Depression
12. 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
13. A dialysis patient presents with a serum calcium of 11.8 mg/dL. Which medication is the most likely culprit? → Calcium carbonate phosphate binder
14. Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is most likely to occur in which clinical scenario? → New patient receiving first aggressive hemodialysis treatment with high BUN
15. Which sign is the BEST indicator of AV graft thrombosis? → Absence of bruit and thrill
16. What is the correct response when the air detector alarm activates during hemodialysis? → Immediately clamp the venous line and stop the blood pump
17. What problem occurs when calcium or magnesium precipitates out of dialysate concentrate? → Scale buildup in tubing that can contaminate dialysate and clog proportioning systems
18. Which dialysate bicarbonate concentration is typically used for hemodialysis patients with metabolic acidosis? → 35–38 mEq/L
19. 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
20. 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
21. Between hemodialysis treatments, weight gain shouldn't surpass → 5% of dry weight
22. What does the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) in the United States primarily measure? → Clinical outcomes and quality metrics to determine Medicare reimbursement
23. 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
24. A hemodialysis patient has a hemoglobin of 8.4 g/dL, serum ferritin of 140 ng/mL, and TSAT of 17%. Which intervention is most appropriate? → Administer intravenous (IV) iron supplementation
25. What is the rationale for timing the administration of intravenous antibiotics in hemodialysis patients? → Antibiotics should be dosed after dialysis to prevent removal by the procedure
26. What is the minimum acceptable blood flow rate (Qb) recommended for adequate hemodialysis through a permanent access? → 300–400 mL/min
27. What is the purpose of measuring serum albumin in a dialysis patient's monthly labs? → Assess nutritional status as a predictor of morbidity and mortality
28. Which electrolyte abnormality is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in hemodialysis patients between treatments? → Hyperkalemia
29. Which modality of kidney replacement therapy offers the most independence and the ability to work or travel for suitable patients? → Home peritoneal dialysis (CAPD or APD)
30. What is the primary purpose of sodium profiling during hemodialysis? → Improve cardiovascular stability and reduce intradialytic hypotension