Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification (CNN) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The primary goal of renal replacement therapy (RRT) is to replace the kidneys' filtration function. RRT is employed when the kidneys are unable to remove waste products, excess fluid, and electrolytes from the blood effectively, which can occur in cases of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. The therapy encompasses methods such as dialysis and kidney transplantation, which serve to maintain homeostasis by managing waste removal, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels in patients with renal failure.

While enhancing kidney function and promoting hydration might occur as secondary benefits of RRT, those are not its primary objectives. The focus is on substituting the role of the kidneys rather than restoring their native function. Additionally, although RRT can relieve some dietary restrictions by controlling unwanted substances in the blood, it does not eliminate the need for a specialized diet altogether. Finally, RRT does not cure kidney disease; instead, it manages its complications and supports the patient, illustrating that the primary aim is to maintain essential kidney functions until a transplant can be considered or until the kidneys recover, if possible.