Location:Room 1, Capital suite (level 3)
Kidneys are one of the body’s vital organs and have several key tasks such as:
– Acting as filters;
– Balancing the minerals which are necessary to the body;
– Maintain water balance; and
– Producing hormones, enzymes and vitamins
In this session we will examine the importance of renal function and have an overview of acute and chronic kidney failures. We will focus, particularly, on chronic renal failure, a condition which involves significant decrease in kidney function, regardless of the cause, and which leads to the kidneys’ losing the ability to properly filter blood. As nurses, how can we provide good patient counseling? This topic and other issues will be discussed in this session.
The aim of this presentation is to explore and discuss the function of the kidneys from development and anatomy to physiology and their role in general and urological diseases. The diagnostic criteria and pharmacological impact of diseased kidneys will be presented. The following aspects will be highlighted:
• Anatomy of the kidneys
• Physiology and pathophysiology of kidney function
• Diseases impacting kidney function
• Urological diseases and kidney function
• Diagnosis of kidney function
• Pharmacology in reduced kidney function
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often progressive but associated with few symptoms in early stages. A healthy lifestyle and adherence to medical treatment may halt CKD progression. Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) consultation aims at promoting knowledge, self-management and self-efficacy of CKD patients and their family members. The consultation program in our outpatient clinic includes a needs assessment, basic CKD information and individually tailored sessions. CKD knowledge significantly improved after one month and one year in patients and family members. Interviews showed that they struggled with an incomprehensible diagnosis. The APN supported them in handling CKD by offering information, insights and understanding, provided a new outlook and filled some gaps in CKD care. APN consultation has the potential to improve CKD knowledge; the ongoing guidance and continuity of care is highly appreciated by patients and family members.