200+ Free CPDN Practice Questions

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What is the primary functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration?

Nephron

Glomerulus

Renal tubule

Bowman's capsule

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPDN Exam

150

Exam Questions

BONENT

Passing Score (Scaled)

BONENT (0-100)

3 hrs

Exam Duration

BONENT

$299

Exam Fee

BONENT

60%

Nursing Process

Largest domain

4 years

Certification Validity

BONENT

The CPDN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours with a passing scaled score of 85 (0-100 scale). Four domains: Nursing Process (60%), Education (20%), Administration (10%), and Professional Development (10%). Requires current RN or LPN/LVN license plus 2,000+ hours of peritoneal dialysis experience. Certification valid for 4 years. Administered by BONENT/Prometric.

Sample CPDN Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPDN exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration?

A.Nephron

B.Glomerulus

C.Renal tubule

D.Bowman's capsule

Explanation: The nephron is the primary functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons, which are responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, and excreting waste products. While the glomerulus, renal tubule, and Bowman's capsule are all components of the nephron, the nephron itself is the complete functional unit that performs all aspects of urine formation.

2Which layer of the peritoneum lines the abdominal wall?

A.Visceral peritoneum

B.Parietal peritoneum

C.Mesentery

D.Omentum

Explanation: The parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and is sensitive to somatic pain, which is well-localized. The visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs and produces visceral pain that is poorly localized. Understanding this distinction is important for PD nurses when assessing patient pain and potential complications.

3A patient with ESRD has the following lab values: BUN 75 mg/dL, creatinine 8.5 mg/dL, potassium 5.8 mEq/L. Which value requires immediate intervention?

A.BUN 75 mg/dL

B.Creatinine 8.5 mg/dL

C.Potassium 5.8 mEq/L

D.All values are expected in ESRD

Explanation: Potassium 5.8 mEq/L requires immediate intervention as it indicates hyperkalemia. Normal potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, and levels above 5.5 mEq/L increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. While elevated BUN and creatinine are expected in ESRD, hyperkalemia can be life-threatening and may require urgent treatment with calcium, insulin/glucose, or dialysis.

4Which of the following is the most common cause of ESRD in the United States?

A.Diabetes mellitus

B.Hypertension

C.Glomerulonephritis

D.Polycystic kidney disease

Explanation: Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of ESRD in the United States, accounting for approximately 44% of new cases. Diabetic nephropathy develops due to long-term hyperglycemia causing damage to the glomeruli. Hypertension is the second leading cause. Early detection and management of diabetes and blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney disease.

5What is the normal range for arterial blood pH?

A.7.25-7.30

B.7.35-7.45

C.7.45-7.55

D.7.50-7.60

Explanation: The normal range for arterial blood pH is 7.35-7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis, while values above 7.45 indicate alkalosis. ESRD patients commonly develop metabolic acidosis due to the kidney's inability to excrete acid and regenerate bicarbonate, making pH monitoring essential in PD patients.

6A PD patient has a serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL. What is the primary concern?

A.Increased risk of peritonitis

B.Protein malnutrition and increased mortality risk

C.Excessive fluid removal during exchanges

D.Hyperkalemia development

Explanation: A serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL indicates severe hypoalbuminemia (normal 3.5-5.0 g/dL). PD patients lose 5-15g of protein daily through the peritoneum. Low albumin is associated with increased mortality, poor wound healing, edema, and increased infection risk. Nutritional intervention and possibly more frequent or higher concentration exchanges may be needed.

7Which structure in the nephron is responsible for the majority of water and solute reabsorption?

A.Proximal convoluted tubule

B.Loop of Henle

C.Distal convoluted tubule

D.Collecting duct

Explanation: The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs approximately 65-70% of filtered water and solutes including glucose, amino acids, sodium, and bicarbonate. This is crucial to understand in ESRD as the loss of nephron function leads to inability to reabsorb these substances, contributing to metabolic abnormalities.

8The peritoneal membrane has an effective surface area of approximately:

A.0.5-1.0 square meters

B.1-2 square meters

C.2-2.5 square meters

D.4-5 square meters

Explanation: The adult peritoneal membrane has an effective surface area of approximately 2-2.5 square meters, which is similar to the surface area of the native kidneys' glomerular filtration surface. This large surface area allows for efficient solute and fluid exchange during peritoneal dialysis. However, only about 20-50% of this surface area is typically utilized for dialysis.

9Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with ESRD?

A.Hyponatremia

B.Hyperkalemia

C.Hypocalcemia

D.All of the above

Explanation: All of these electrolyte imbalances are commonly associated with ESRD. Hyperkalemia occurs due to decreased renal excretion. Hyponatremia can result from dilutional effects. Hypocalcemia develops due to decreased activated vitamin D and phosphate retention. PD nurses must monitor all electrolytes regularly and intervene appropriately.

10A PD patient presents with 3+ pitting edema and dyspnea. The most appropriate immediate action is:

A.Decrease dialysate glucose concentration

B.Use hypertonic (4.25%) dialysate exchanges

C.Discontinue PD and switch to hemodialysis

D.Administer IV furosemide

Explanation: Hypertonic (4.25% dextrose) dialysate increases the osmotic gradient, enhancing ultrafiltration and fluid removal. This is appropriate for acute fluid overload. The nurse should also assess for non-adherence to fluid restrictions. While diuretics may help if residual renal function exists, they are ineffective in anuric patients.

About the CPDN Exam

The CPDN (Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse) exam validates expertise in peritoneal dialysis nursing care including ESRD pathophysiology, peritoneal dialysis kinetics, catheter care, complications management, pharmacology, patient education, and professional standards. The largest domain is Nursing Process at 60%.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

85 (scaled score, 0-100)

Exam Fee

$299 (BONENT (Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology))

CPDN Exam Content Outline

60%

Nursing Process

Patient assessment, anatomy/physiology, ESRD pathophysiology, lab testing, pharmacology, dialysis principles, PD kinetics, access care, complications, procedures, anemia management

20%

Education

Patient education principles, teaching planning, adult learning theory, self-care training, education evaluation

10%

Administration

Staffing management, staff training, infection control, equipment maintenance, quality assurance, budgeting

10%

Professional Development

Ethics, legal standards, professional growth, and research principles

How to Pass the CPDN Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 85 (scaled score, 0-100)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: $299

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPDN Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on the Nursing Process domain (60%) — ESRD pathophysiology, PD kinetics, catheter care, and complications

2Master peritonitis diagnosis and management — the most critical complication in peritoneal dialysis

3Know PET (Peritoneal Equilibration Test) interpretation and its use in prescribing PD regimens

4Study ESRD pharmacology — ESA therapy, phosphate binders, IP antibiotics, and medication dosing adjustments

5Understand patient education principles (20%) — adult learning theory and self-care training for home PD

6Review fluid and electrolyte management, acid-base balance, and lab value interpretation in ESRD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPDN certification?

CPDN (Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse) is a BONENT certification for nurses specializing in peritoneal dialysis care. It validates expertise in ESRD management, PD procedures, catheter care, complications management, pharmacology, and patient education.

How many questions are on the CPDN exam?

The CPDN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit. The passing score is a scaled score of 85 on a 0-100 scale. The Nursing Process domain is the largest at 60% of the exam.

What are the prerequisites for the CPDN exam?

You need a current RN or LPN/LVN license plus 2,000+ hours of experience specifically in peritoneal dialysis. You may apply with 6 months remaining to meet the hour requirements. Employment verification is required.

What is the largest domain on the CPDN exam?

Nursing Process is the dominant domain at 60% of the exam. It covers patient assessment, ESRD pathophysiology, peritoneal dialysis kinetics, PET testing, catheter care, exchange procedures, complications (peritonitis, exit-site infections, UF failure), anemia management, and pharmacology.

How should I prepare for the CPDN exam?

Plan for 100-150 hours of study over 8-12 weeks. Focus heavily on the Nursing Process domain (60%). Master PD kinetics, catheter care, complications management, and ESRD pharmacology. Study patient education principles (20%). Complete 200+ practice questions.