CNN Certified Nephrology Nurse Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)
Boost your CNN Certified Nephrology Nurse exam score with practice questions and detailed answer explanations. Track progress with instant feedback.
CNN Certified Nephrology Nurse Practice Test PDF
The CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) credential is awarded by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) to registered nurses specializing in kidney disease care. Whether you work in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplant nursing, earning your CNN demonstrates clinical expertise and commitment to nephrology practice. This free printable PDF lets you study anytime — no internet required.
Our CNN practice test PDF covers every major domain tested on the actual NNCC examination: kidney anatomy and physiology, chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging and management, hemodialysis nursing, peritoneal dialysis nursing, transplant nursing, and acute kidney injury (AKI) management. Print the PDF, quiz yourself with a pen, and review rationales to lock in the knowledge you need to pass.
What the CNN Exam Covers
Kidney Anatomy and Physiology
Questions test your understanding of nephron structure and function, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), tubular reabsorption and secretion, acid-base regulation, erythropoietin production, activation of vitamin D, and fluid and electrolyte regulation. Normal GFR is 90–120 mL/min and is the cornerstone of CKD staging.
Chronic Kidney Disease Nursing
CKD is staged 1 through 5 based on GFR, with Stage 5D indicating dialysis dependence. Common causes include diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. Complications you must know include anemia of CKD (EPO deficiency with iron deficiency management), CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) requiring phosphate binders and dietary phosphorus restriction, potassium restriction, fluid management, and vascular access selection — including AV fistula, AV graft, and tunneled catheter care and assessment.
Hemodialysis Nursing
HD prescription components include Kt/V target ≥ 1.2, blood flow rate, dialysate flow rate, and treatment time. Nurses must assess vascular access by confirming bruit and thrill, master cannulation techniques, and manage anticoagulation with UFH or enoxaparin. Intradialytic complications include hypotension (most common), muscle cramps, arrhythmias, headache, and the life-threatening air embolism — each requiring specific nursing interventions. Ultrafiltration calculation is also high-yield.
Peritoneal Dialysis Nursing
The exam tests CAPD versus APD (cycler) differences, PD prescription parameters (dwell time, fill volume, dextrose concentration), and weekly Kt/V adequacy ≥ 1.7. PD complications include peritonitis — the most serious, presenting with cloudy effluent — catheter exit site and tunnel infections, ultrafiltration failure, and encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. Patient education for home PD is a recurring topic.
Kidney Transplant Nursing
Immunosuppression regimens include calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine), antimetabolites (mycophenolate mofetil), and corticosteroids. You must distinguish hyperacute, acute, and chronic rejection and differentiate rejection signs from infection signs. Opportunistic infections post-transplant — CMV, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and BK virus — are tested, along with food safety education and medication adherence counseling.
Acute Kidney Injury Nursing
KDIGO AKI staging, pre-renal versus intrinsic versus post-renal causes, and CRRT modalities (CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF) with nursing management are all high-yield. Electrolyte and fluid monitoring, medication dose adjustments in AKI, and indications for emergent dialysis using the AEIOU mnemonic (Acidosis, Electrolytes, Ingestion, Overload, Uremia) round out this domain.
- ✓Memorize CKD stages 1–5 using GFR cutoffs and corresponding nursing interventions
- ✓Master the RAAS pathway and how it affects blood pressure and fluid balance in CKD
- ✓Know Kt/V targets for both hemodialysis (≥1.2) and peritoneal dialysis (≥1.7/week)
- ✓Review AV fistula maturation criteria, cannulation techniques, and access complication signs
- ✓Understand intradialytic hypotension causes, prevention strategies, and nursing response
- ✓Distinguish CAPD from APD and know PD peritonitis presentation and first-line treatment
- ✓Study immunosuppression drug classes, side effects, and rejection versus infection signs
- ✓Review CRRT modalities and the nursing role in managing CVVH/CVVHD/CVVHDF circuits
- ✓Practice AKI staging using KDIGO criteria and identify emergent dialysis indications (AEIOU)
- ✓Complete timed practice tests under exam conditions and review all rationales
Free CNN Practice Tests Online
Prefer to study on screen? Our interactive CNN practice test gives you instant feedback on every answer, detailed rationales, and a running score so you know exactly where to focus. Combine the online tests with this printable PDF for a complete study approach — use the PDF for offline review and paper-based self-testing, then reinforce weak areas with the adaptive online questions.
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification