Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification (CNN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Nephrology Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is specifically indicated for critically ill patients who are experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI). This therapy is designed to provide renal support in patients who are unstable and unable to tolerate the rapid shifts of fluid and solutes that occur with intermittent hemodialysis. CRRT operates continuously over 24 hours, allowing for gentle and gradual removal of toxins and excess fluids, which is particularly beneficial in a critical care setting where patients may have fluctuating hemodynamics.

In contrast, patients awaiting a kidney transplant may not necessarily require CRRT unless they develop AKI. Those with chronic kidney disease are typically managed with different modalities like routine hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis rather than CRRT. Additionally, while post-operative patients with fluid overload can sometimes benefit from renal replacement therapies, CRRT is not the primary choice unless they are also critically ill and experiencing persistent AKI. Therefore, the use of CRRT is most appropriate for the specific context of critically ill patients suffering from AKI.