CDN Patient Education and Psychosocial Care 2

Question 1

Which statement by a dialysis patient indicates a correct understanding of phosphorus binder therapy?

Accepted Answer

'I take my binder with every meal and snack that contains phosphorus.'

Answer

Phosphorus binders must be taken with meals and phosphorus-containing snacks to bind dietary phosphate in the gut before absorption — timing is critical to their effectiveness.

Question 2

A dialysis patient asks why they need to take erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

'Your damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, so ESAs stimulate your bone marrow to produce red blood cells.'

Answer

The failing kidneys produce insufficient erythropoietin, leading to anemia; ESAs mimic this hormone to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Question 3

Which sign indicates that a patient is not adhering to fluid restrictions between dialysis sessions?

Accepted Answer

Consistent interdialytic weight gain of 4–5 kg

Answer

Consistently high interdialytic weight gains of 4–5 kg strongly suggest non-adherence to fluid restrictions, as this far exceeds the recommended 2–3 kg between treatments.

Question 4

What is the most appropriate response when a patient newly diagnosed with ESRD expresses grief and anger about starting dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge their feelings, validate their grief, and provide emotional support

Answer

Acknowledging and validating the emotional response to a life-altering diagnosis is the therapeutic priority before providing clinical education, establishing trust and emotional safety.

Question 5

Which government program provides primary health insurance coverage for most ESRD patients in the United States regardless of age?

Accepted Answer

Medicare ESRD benefit

Answer

The Medicare ESRD benefit provides coverage for most Americans with end-stage renal disease after a 3-month waiting period, regardless of age, making it unique among Medicare eligibility criteria.

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN Patient Education and Psychosocial Care 2