A hemodialysis patient reports large interdialytic weight gains. The most appropriate first nutrition focus is:

Review sodium sources to support fluid control

Increase phosphorus intake to improve appetite

Restrict dietary protein to reduce BUN

Add oral bicarbonate to correct acidosis A. Increase phosphorus intake to improve appetite B. Restrict dietary protein to reduce BUN C. Review sodium sources to support fluid control D. Add oral bicarbonate to correct acidosis

Dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease is most commonly characterized by:

Elevated triglycerides and altered lipoprotein metabolism

Low triglycerides and high HDL cholesterol

Isolated elevation of LDL cholesterol only

Complete absence of lipid abnormalities

The most appropriate initial nutrition strategy for anorexia in CKD is to:

Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals

Increase fluid intake regardless of restrictions

Dyslipidemia associated with chronic kidney disease is most commonly characterized by:

Elevated triglycerides with altered lipoprotein metabolism

Low triglycerides and elevated HDL cholesterol

Isolated elevation of LDL cholesterol only

The most appropriate initial nutrition intervention for anorexia in CKD is to:

Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals

Increase fluid intake without restriction

Renal Nutrition Specialist (CSR) Exam

Free Renal Nutrition Specialist Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the Renal Nutrition Specialist (CSR) 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: Renal Physiology and Kidney Function Assessment, Renal Replacement Therapies and Dialysis Modalities, Bone, Mineral, and Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease, Anemia and Hematologic Management, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Complications, Diabetes and Glycemic Control in Renal Care, Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition Implications, Nutrition Assessment and Body Composition.

Question 1 · Renal Physiology and Kidney Function Assessment
A primary function of the kidneys in healthy adults is to:
- A.Produce digestive enzymes
- B.Absorb dietary glucose
- C.Regulate acid–base balance
- D.Store fat-soluble vitamins
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Regulate acid–base balance
The kidneys regulate acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate. This function is essential for maintaining normal blood pH.
Question 2 · Renal Replacement Therapies and Dialysis Modalities
A hemodialysis patient reports large interdialytic weight gains. The most appropriate first nutrition focus is:
- A.Increase phosphorus intake to improve appetite
- B.Restrict dietary protein to reduce BUN
- C.Add oral bicarbonate to correct acidosis A. Increase phosphorus intake to improve appetite B. Restrict dietary protein to reduce BUN C. Review sodium sources to support fluid control D. Add oral bicarbonate to correct acidosis
- D.Review sodium sources to support fluid control
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Review sodium sources to support fluid control
Sodium intake drives thirst and fluid retention. Reviewing sodium sources (processed foods, condiments, restaurant meals) is a high-yield first step to improve fluid control.
Question 3 · Bone, Mineral, and Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease
A nutrition-related contributor to osteomalacia is:
- A.Excess carbohydrate intake
- B.Increased fluid intake
- C.High sodium intake
- D.Vitamin D deficiency
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Vitamin D deficiency
Inadequate vitamin D impairs calcium absorption and bone mineralization, contributing to osteomalacia.
Question 4 · Cardiovascular and Metabolic Complications
Dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease is most commonly characterized by:
- A.Low triglycerides and high HDL cholesterol
- B.Elevated triglycerides and altered lipoprotein metabolism
- C.Isolated elevation of LDL cholesterol only
- D.Complete absence of lipid abnormalities
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Elevated triglycerides and altered lipoprotein metabolism
CKD-related dyslipidemia typically involves elevated triglycerides and qualitative changes in lipoproteins rather than isolated LDL elevation.
Question 5 · Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition Implications
The most appropriate initial nutrition strategy for anorexia in CKD is to:
- A.Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals
- B.Restrict energy intake further
- C.Eliminate protein foods
- D.Increase fluid intake regardless of restrictions
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals
Small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals help improve intake when appetite is poor.
Question 6 · Renal Physiology and Kidney Function Assessment
Practice Test 1 Completed (Questions 1–100)
When ready, say “Start Practice Test 2”, and I will begin Practice Test 2 – Section 1, continuing numbering from Question 101 and ensuring no question repetition.
The primary site of blood filtration within the kidney is the:
- A.Loop of Henle
- B.Renal pelvis
- C.Glomerulus
- D.Collecting duct
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Glomerulus
The glomerulus is the capillary network responsible for filtering blood and forming the initial filtrate.
Question 7 · Renal Replacement Therapies and Dialysis Modalities
Which nutrition-related factor most strongly influences interdialytic weight gain?
- A.Dietary calcium
- B.Sodium intake
- C.Protein intake
- D.Phosphorus binder use
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Sodium intake
Sodium intake increases thirst and fluid retention, directly contributing to interdialytic weight gain.
Question 8 · Bone, Mineral, and Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease
A common nutrition-related contributor to osteomalacia in CKD is:
- A.Excess sodium intake
- B.Vitamin D deficiency
- C.High carbohydrate intake
- D.Fluid overload
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency reduces calcium absorption and contributes to impaired bone mineralization.
Question 9 · Cardiovascular and Metabolic Complications
Dyslipidemia associated with chronic kidney disease is most commonly characterized by:
- A.Low triglycerides and elevated HDL cholesterol
- B.Elevated triglycerides with altered lipoprotein metabolism
- C.Isolated elevation of LDL cholesterol only
- D.Absence of lipid abnormalities
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Elevated triglycerides with altered lipoprotein metabolism
CKD-related dyslipidemia typically involves elevated triglycerides and qualitative lipoprotein abnormalities rather than isolated LDL elevation.
Question 10 · Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition Implications
The most appropriate initial nutrition intervention for anorexia in CKD is to:
- A.Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals
- B.Restrict protein intake
- C.Eliminate snacks
- D.Increase fluid intake without restriction
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Encourage small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals
Small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals help improve intake when appetite is poor.

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