The main symptom of chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function over a sustained period (CDC, 2010). The disease results in the accumulation of waste materials in the body thus affecting the proper functioning of organs and tissues. Common complications include nerve damage, anemia, and high blood pressure. In addition, the disease exposes patients to the risk of stroke and heart disease. The major aim of treatment remedies is to eradicate the risk factors that aggravate the disease’s progression to more serious stages. In addition, they aim to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This proposal aims to reduce the number of kidney failure cases and deaths due to diabetes among people with diabetes. The disease has far-reaching financial and health consequences.
The major goal of this health plan is to reduce cases of kidney failure among individuals with diabetes. This goal will be achieved through screening patients for proteinuria and implementing treatment programs as well as prevention remedies to control glycemia and stabilize blood pressure. Therapy and drugs will be included in the treatment program to guarantee positive health outcomes. Prevention remedies include diet adjustments and lifestyle changes. Diabetic nephropathy results from a gradual increase in the level of proteinuria in the body (Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3, 2012). Factors that expose individuals to diabetic nephropathy include poor glycemic control, unhealthy diet, cardiovascular diseases, and smoking (Cavanaugh, 2007). Intensive control of blood pressure and reduction of the amount of glycemia are important strategies that will aid in reducing kidney failure by slowing down the progression of the disease. In addition, renal protective medication will be used to counteract the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels will delay the progression of the disease while proper blood pressure will reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3, 2012). Cessation of tobacco smoking will be mandatory for all patients who engage in the risky habit. Diet adjustments will include the intake of foods with low amounts of sodium, phosphorous, and potassium (Cavanaugh, 2007). Screening for lipid disorders will be prioritized for patients who are exposed to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (Chronic Kidney Disease, n.d). The plan will include individualized recommendations depending on the stage of disease development. Dietary protein intake will be restricted to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for patients with stage 1-4 chronic kidney disease (Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3, 2012). This will lower the levels of albuminuria and slow down the loss of kidney function. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) will be the drugs of choice (Cavanaugh, 2007). They slow down the progression of the disease. Therapy will also be used to prevent the progression of the disease to stage 5. In case the disease progresses to stage 5, renal replacement therapy will be applied. It could involve either transplant or dialysis depending on the disease’s severity.
The project is important for future advanced practice because of the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its vast economic and health consequences. According to research, more than 23% of patients with diabetes have chronic kidney disease (Cavanaugh, 2007). In addition, it affects approximately 19 million people in the United States. Globally, the disease affects about 171 million people (Cavanaugh, 2007). In my future nursing practice, I will deal with patients with the disease. This project will equip me with the necessary knowledge to deal with the disease effectively. In addition, it will augment the skills that I possess regarding the treatment and management of chronic kidney disease. Preventing kidney failure in diabetic patients is a core responsibility of nurses because of the many deaths the disease causes.
References
Cavanaugh, K. (2007). Diabetes Management issues for Patients with Chronic Kidney
Disease. Clinical Diabetes, 25(3), 90-97. Web.
CDC: Kidney Failure and Diabetes. (2010). Web.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Clinical Recommendations. (n.d). Web.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3: Screening, Monitoring, and Treatment. (2012). Web.