Preparing for the CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) exam? Pathology is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 280 of its 1020 flashcards focus on pathology, covering topics like DTRs, IDH, PVAN, Associated Nephropathy. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
280
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1020
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A 65-year-old Stage 5 CKD patient presents with bradycardia, hypotension, and absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) after using OTC laxatives. What is the suspected mineral imbalance and the immediate pharmacological intervention?
Show answer →Hypermagnesemia (Mg >4 mg/dL). CKD patients have impaired renal excretion of Magnesium. Symptoms: Loss of DTRs (7-10 mEq/L), respiratory depression (>10 mEq/L), and cardiac arrest. Intervention: IV Calcium Gluconate (10%) to antagonize the membrane effects of Mg, followed by dialysis. NNCC Strategy: Watch for OTC meds like Milk of Magnesia in clinical scenarios. Distinguish from hyperkalemia, which also presents with cardiac changes but has different reflex patterns.
An ADPKD patient presents with acute flank pain and a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C). How does the clinical management of an infected cyst differ from a simple cyst hemorrhage in terms of antibiotic selection?
Show answer →Infected Cyst: Characterized by fever, localized tenderness, and elevated inflammatory markers (white cell count, CRP). Management requires lipophilic antibiotics that can penetrate the cyst wall, such as Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin) or Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Cyst Hemorrhage: Usually presents with sudden pain and gross hematuria but NO fever. Management is supportive (bed rest, hydration, analgesics). Exam Strategy: If the scenario includes fever and leukocytosis, prioritize infection and the need for cyst-penetrating antibiotics.
An ESKD patient experiences frequent intradialytic hypotension (IDH) despite being at their target dry weight. How does uremic autonomic dysfunction contribute to this clinical phenomenon?
Show answer →Autonomic neuropathy impairs the baroreflex arc and sympathetic vasoconstriction. Normally, the body compensates for fluid removal via tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. In uremic autonomic dysfunction, the blunted heart rate response and failure to constrict peripheral vascular beds lead to sudden BP drops. Exam Strategy: Differentiate between hypovolemia-induced IDH (cramps, thirst) and autonomic-induced IDH (sudden drop without prodromal symptoms).
To prevent the development of leak-related hernias, what is the recommended break-in period between PD catheter insertion and the start of full-volume dialysis?
Show answer →Current guidelines suggest a 2-week (14-day) wait period to allow for adequate wound healing and dacron cuff tissue ingrowth. If urgent dialysis is needed, Low-Volume Supine PD (LVSPD) should be used to minimize IAP. Exam Focus: The NNCC emphasizes the nurse's role in advocating for this healing period to prevent early-onset mechanical complications like pericatheter leaks, which are precursors to incisional hernias.
Why is plasma PCR screening preferred over urine cytology (decoy cells) for early detection of BK Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy (PVAN)?
Show answer →While decoy cells in urine indicate viral shedding, they have low positive predictive value for PVAN (many shed virus without disease). Plasma PCR is more specific; sustained plasma viremia >10,000 copies/mL is highly predictive of developing PVAN. NNCC Tip: Screening is usually performed monthly for the first 3-6 months, then every 3 months until the end of the first year post-transplant.
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The full CNN deck contains 1020 flashcards, and 280 of them focus on pathology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CNN deck dedicates 280 of 1020 cards (27%) to pathology — always cross-check the official NNCC exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CNN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1020 cards is a one-time $7.