A peritoneal dialysis nurse begins an initial interview with a new ESRD patient. Which interviewing approach is most effective for obtaining accurate patient information?

Using open-ended questions that encourage patient responses

Asking only yes or no questions

Limiting the interview to medication history only

Avoiding follow-up questions to save time

A nurse teaching a patient peritoneal dialysis techniques should first:

Assess the patient’s current knowledge and learning needs

Skip infection control training

Before beginning dialysis training, the nurse should first:

Assess the patient’s knowledge level

Skip infection control instruction

CPDN Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Exam

Free CPDN Certified Peritoneal Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the CPDN Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Exam, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: The Nursing Process, Administration, Education, Professional Development.

Question 1 · The Nursing Process
A peritoneal dialysis nurse begins an initial interview with a new ESRD patient. Which interviewing approach is most effective for obtaining accurate patient information?
- A.Asking only yes or no questions
- B.Limiting the interview to medication history only
- C.Using open-ended questions that encourage patient responses
- D.Avoiding follow-up questions to save time
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Using open-ended questions that encourage patient responses
Explanation Open-ended questions allow patients to describe symptoms, concerns, and health behaviors in detail. This approach improves communication and helps nurses collect more complete clinical information. Yes/no questions may limit the information obtained and may not reveal underlying health issues.
Question 2 · The Nursing Process
Which medication type is used to control high blood pressure in dialysis patients?
- A.Antacids
- B.Antibiotics
- C.Anticoagulants
- D.Antihypertensive drugs
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Antihypertensive drugs
Explanation Hypertension is common in ESRD due to fluid retention and hormonal imbalance. Antihypertensive medications help regulate blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Question 3 · The Nursing Process
A dialysis solution with higher glucose concentration will generally:
- A.Decrease fluid removal
- B.Prevent solute diffusion
- C.Reduce dialysis efficiency
- D.Increase ultrafiltration
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Increase ultrafiltration
Explanation Higher glucose concentration increases the osmotic gradient, leading to greater fluid removal (ultrafiltration).
Question 4 · The Nursing Process
Which renal replacement therapy uses a machine to filter blood outside the body?
- A.Peritoneal dialysis
- B.Hemodialysis
- C.Renal biopsy
- D.Kidney imaging
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Hemodialysis
Explanation Hemodialysis removes waste products and excess fluid by circulating blood through a dialysis machine containing a synthetic filter called a dialyzer.
Question 5 · Education
A nurse teaching a patient peritoneal dialysis techniques should first:
- A.Assess the patient’s current knowledge and learning needs
- B.Begin with advanced procedures
- C.Avoid asking questions
- D.Skip infection control training
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Assess the patient’s current knowledge and learning needs
Explanation Assessing the learner’s current understanding allows the nurse to tailor instruction and address knowledge gaps.
Question 6 · The Nursing Process
During an initial dialysis clinic visit, a nurse asks, “Can you describe how your symptoms have changed since starting dialysis?” What type of interview question is this?
- A.Closed-ended question
- B.Leading question
- C.Open-ended question
- D.Biased question
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Open-ended question
Explanation Open-ended questions encourage patients to provide detailed responses about their symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns. This approach improves communication and allows the nurse to gather comprehensive clinical information.
Question 7 · The Nursing Process
Which medication type is frequently prescribed to manage hypertension in dialysis patients?
- A.Antibiotics
- B.Antihypertensive medications
- C.Anticoagulants
- D.Sedatives
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Antihypertensive medications
Explanation Antihypertensive medications help control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular complications.
Question 8 · The Nursing Process
Increasing glucose concentration in dialysis solution will typically:
- A.Decrease fluid removal
- B.Increase ultrafiltration
- C.Stop diffusion
- D.Prevent solute exchange
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Increase ultrafiltration
Explanation Higher glucose concentrations create a stronger osmotic gradient, resulting in greater fluid removal.
Question 9 · The Nursing Process
Which renal replacement therapy removes waste using a machine and synthetic membrane?
- A.Peritoneal dialysis
- B.Hemodialysis
- C.Renal ultrasound
- D.Urinary catheterization
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Hemodialysis
Explanation Hemodialysis removes waste products and excess fluid by circulating blood through a dialyzer containing a semipermeable membrane.
Question 10 · Education
Before beginning dialysis training, the nurse should first:
- A.Assess the patient’s knowledge level
- B.Begin advanced procedures
- C.Avoid questions
- D.Skip infection control instruction
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Assess the patient’s knowledge level
Explanation Assessment allows the nurse to tailor instruction to the patient’s learning needs.

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