CGRN Test Blueprint

General Nursing Care - 21% of questions on CGRN exam
Gastroenterological Procedures - 35% of questions on CGRN exam
Patient Care Interventions - 25% of questions on CGRN exam
Environmental Safety, Infection Prevention and Control - 19% of questions on CGRN exam

CGRN Content Outline

A. Assess, Analyze, and Monitor the Patient's Health Status through Evidence Based Practice to Determine Necessary Nursing Intervention

Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, cultural, and spiritual aspects of patient wellness
Pharmacology (e.g., prescription medication, OTC, supplements/herbal, compliance/non-compliance issues, education, drug interaction)
Patients' rights and privacy (e.g., HIPAA, ethics)
Standards of clinical nursing practice and role delineation in gastroenterology setting

B. Develop a Plan of Care and Educate based on the Patient's Level of Understanding

Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, cultural, and spiritual aspects of patient wellness
Pharmacology (e.g., prescription medication, OTC, supplements/herbal, compliance/non-compliance issues, education, drug interaction)
Patients' rights and privacy (e.g., HIPAA, ethics)

A. Collaborate with the Health Care Team during Endoscopic Procedures to Provide Safe Care

Endoscopic procedures (diagnostic and therapeutic)
Equipment, devices, and accessories
Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Environment of care (e.g., thermal burns, chemical spills, radiation, timeout)
Pharmacology (e.g., sedation/anesthesia medication, reversal agents, procedure medications, resuscitative medication)
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, spiritual, and cultural aspects of wellness
Potential complications and anticipated interventions (e.g., hemorrhage, perforation, compromised airway, medication reaction)
Specimen preparation, collection, processing, and handling (e.g., labelling, storage, transportation, documentation)

B. Collaborate with the Health Care Team and Perform Non-Endoscopic Procedures to Provide Safe Care

Non-endoscopic procedures (e.g., diagnostic, therapeutic)
Equipment, devices, and accessories
Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Environment of care (e.g., time out, spills)
Pharmacology (e.g., learning needs, sedation/anesthesia medications, reversal agents, procedure medications, resuscitative medication, biologics)
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, spiritual, and cultural aspects of wellness
Potential risks, complications, and interventions
Specimen preparation, collection, processing, and handling (e.g., labelling, storage, transportation, documentation)

A. Recognize and Respond to Emergent Changes in Patient Status to Prevent Complications and Maximize Positive Outcomes

Potential risks, complications, and anticipated interventions (e.g., underlying conditions)
Resuscitation procedures and equipment
Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Emergency/reversal medications
Sedation/anesthesia guidelines and principles (e.g., American Society of Anesthesia [ASA], airway status)

B. Promote Wellness by Managing GI Health Care Needs

Health maintenance, health promotion, and disease prevention activities (e.g., diet, nutrition, screening intervals, adenoma detection rates [ADR], lifestyle modification)
Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Therapeutic interventions in pain management (e.g., ambulation, medication, positioning)
Patient's rights and responsibilities (e.g., advance directives)
Pharmacology (e.g., PPI, laxative, pro-biotics, biologics, timing of medication)
Potential complications (e.g., flare ups, drug reactions/interactions)
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, spiritual, and cultural aspects of wellness
Resources (e.g., palliative, support group, financial and social assistance)

C. Administer Medications and Fluids to Provide Safe Care

Established standards for administering medications and fluids (e.g., safe administration practices)
Normal and abnormal gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Pharmacology (e.g., biologics, infusions/injections, antibiotic, timing of medication)
Physiological, psychological, social, sexual, cultural, and spiritual aspects of wellness
Potential adverse reactions, complications, and anticipated intervention

A. Implement Procedure-Related Environmental Safety, Infection Prevention, and Control

Standards for infection prevention in an endoscopy setting (e.g., validation of competencies, OEM instructions for use, PPE, spills)
Equipment reprocessing (e.g., scopes, devices, and accessories, AER, bio burden, timing/delayed reprocessing)
Sterilization and high-level disinfection (e.g., Spaulding classification, single use devices versus reusable devices, minimal effective concentration of disinfection solutions)
Safe administration practices (e.g., multi-dose vial)
Body mechanics (e.g., ergonomics, abdominal pressure, repetitive injuries)
Electrical, laser, radiation, and chemical exposure (e.g., body piercings, tattoos, implanted devices, return electrode placement)

B. Implement Environmental Safety, Infection Prevention and Control in Gastroenterology

Patient education related to infectious disease
Pathogen transmission (e.g., bloodborne, airborne, contact)
Multi-drug resistant organisms (e.g., VRE, CRE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Surface disinfection (e.g., point-of-care monitors, non-disposable equipment, communication devices, contact time)