CSR Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. In CKD nutrition assessment, 'protein-energy wasting' (PEW) is defined by the ISRNM as requiring criteria from how many of the four diagnostic categories? → At least three of the four categories
2. How does advanced professional practice contribute to professional excellence in CSR certification? → It enhances competency, improves outcomes, and supports continuous professional growth
3. What is the recommended daily protein intake for a stable adult hemodialysis patient per KDOQI guidelines? → 1.2–1.4 g/kg/day
4. The Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) validated for dialysis patients incorporates which set of parameters? → BMI, albumin, TIBC, weight changes, and physical exam findings
5. What is the relationship between advanced professional practice and overall Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition professional competency? → It is an essential component that strengthens the overall competency framework
6. Which lab value is most useful in assessing renal function? → Serum creatinine
7. Why is documentation important in CSR risk management? → It creates an audit trail and demonstrates due diligence
8. Which electrolyte should be carefully monitored and often limited in renal nutrition therapy? → Potassium.
9. What distinguishes risk mitigation from risk avoidance in Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition practice? → Mitigation reduces impact or likelihood while avoidance eliminates the activity entirely
10. How is fluid management personalized in medical nutrition therapy for renal patients? → Personalized based on clinical assessment.
11. What ethical principle emphasizes respecting patient autonomy in clinical practice? → Autonomy.
12. Iron deficiency in CKD patients receiving ESA therapy is typically defined by transferrin saturation (TSAT) below what level? → 20%
13. What is the value of active listening in CSR professional practice? → It ensures accurate understanding and demonstrates respect for the speaker
14. Why is protein intake adjusted in renal patients? → To balance nutrition and reduce kidney stress.
15. What role does data analytics play in Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition decision-making? → It supports evidence-based decisions by identifying patterns and trends in data
16. In CKD patients, phosphorus from plant-based foods (e.g., legumes, grains) is generally absorbed at what rate compared to phosphorus from animal-based foods? → Lower rate — plant phosphorus is bound to phytate and requires phytase for release
17. How do CSR professionals maintain digital competency? → Through ongoing training and staying current with technological advances
18. Which phosphate binder is MOST appropriate for a CKD Stage 5D patient with both hyperphosphatemia AND iron-deficiency anemia? → Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (Velphoro) or ferric citrate (Auryxia)
19. A Stage 4 CKD patient (GFR 20 mL/min) weighs 80 kg with an ideal body weight of 70 kg. What is the appropriate basis for calculating dietary protein intake? → Ideal body weight (70 kg)
20. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation in CKD is primarily used to treat which acid-base disturbance? → Metabolic acidosis
21. FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) rises early in CKD progression. What are its two primary effects on mineral metabolism? → Increases urinary phosphate excretion and suppresses renal calcitriol production
22. How should an CSR professional handle a situation outside their scope of competency? → Recognize limitations and refer to appropriate specialists
23. What is the primary value of case analysis in Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition professional development? → Developing critical thinking by applying theory to realistic scenarios
24. For a non-dialysis CKD Stage 3–5 patient, what is the KDOQI-recommended energy intake to maintain neutral nitrogen balance? → 30–35 kcal/kg/day ideal body weight
25. In dialysis patients, serum albumin is primarily used as a combined marker of which two clinical conditions? → Nutritional status and systemic inflammation
26. What is a common dietary intervention for hyperphosphatemia in CKD? → Reduce phosphorus intake
27. Which phosphate binder is calcium-based and commonly used to manage hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients? → Calcium acetate
28. A hemodialysis patient has a serum prealbumin of 18 mg/dL. How should this result be interpreted? → Mildly decreased; warrants monitoring but not immediate intervention
29. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, when can a renal dietitian legally share a patient's dietary assessment data with the patient's nephrologist? → For treatment purposes, as part of coordinated care — no separate authorization required
30. Metformin is generally contraindicated in CKD patients with an eGFR below which threshold due to lactic acidosis risk? → 30 mL/min/1.73m²