The CGRN (Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse) credential is awarded by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN) and is the premier specialty certification for GI and endoscopy nurses. Our free printable PDF delivers exam-style questions across all major CGRN content domains so you can study at the bedside, in the break room, or anywhere away from a screen.
The CGRN exam tests competency in endoscopy procedures, GI anatomy and pathophysiology, sedation monitoring, endoscopic equipment reprocessing, GI emergencies, and patient education. Download the PDF below, then head to our full online question bank for timed adaptive practice.
This domain covers indications, contraindications, and nursing responsibilities for upper GI endoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Expect questions on patient preparation protocols — clear liquid diet timing, bowel prep agents (polyethylene glycol vs. sodium phosphate), NPO guidelines, and anticoagulation management before procedures.
Candidates must understand esophageal disorders (GERD, Barrett esophagus, achalasia), peptic ulcer disease (H. pylori eradication regimens, NSAIDs as a risk factor), inflammatory bowel disease (distinguishing Crohn disease from ulcerative colitis by location, transmural vs. mucosal involvement, complications), colorectal cancer screening guidelines (colonoscopy intervals by polyp type and family history), liver disease (cirrhosis, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy), and pancreatitis (Ranson criteria, necrotizing vs. interstitial).
CGRN questions on moderate (conscious) sedation include patient assessment (ASA classification, Mallampati score), medication administration (midazolam, fentanyl, propofol), and monitoring parameters. Capnography for early detection of hypoventilation is emphasized. Reversal agent pharmacology is high-yield: flumazenil (benzodiazepine reversal, short half-life caveat) and naloxone (opioid reversal, re-sedation risk). Airway management and recognition of oversedation complete this domain.
Endoscope reprocessing per SGNA guidelines is heavily tested. Steps include pre-cleaning at point of use, leak testing, manual cleaning, high-level disinfection (HLD) — typically with glutaraldehyde or OPA — in an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), rinsing, drying, and proper storage. Documentation requirements, processing cycle verification, and handling of failed reprocessing cycles are also included.
This section covers upper GI bleeding (hematemesis, coffee-ground emesis, melena) vs. lower GI bleeding (hematochezia), management of esophageal varices (vasopressin analogues, balloon tamponade, endoscopic band ligation), recognition and reporting of perforation (post-procedure abdominal pain, free air on imaging), and acute obstruction.
Nurses are tested on teaching bowel prep instructions for optimal visualization, post-procedure dietary restrictions, activity limitations, medication resumption after anticoagulation hold, and signs of complications to report (fever, increasing pain, rectal bleeding) following discharge.
The PDF is ideal for offline content review, but the CGRN exam includes clinical scenario questions that benefit from the interactive format of our online question bank. Pair your PDF study sessions with our full CGRN practice test online to practice reading clinical vignettes under timed conditions, review detailed rationales, and track your performance by content domain. Identifying weak areas through online practice lets you focus your PDF review time on the highest-yield topics before your exam date.
GI nursing is a procedure-heavy specialty — spend extra time on reprocessing protocols, sedation monitoring parameters, and emergency recognition, as these appear consistently across all ABCGN exam forms.