Challenges for nephrology nurses in the management of children with chronic kidney disease

Deborah Miller1, Dina Macdonald, Ken Kolnacki

  • 1Inova Fairfax Hospital Falls Church, VA, USA.

Insights

Optimizing growth and development in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial. Early recognition and treatment of CKD complications improve quality of life for affected pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Child Development
  • Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:

  • Normal growth and development are key treatment goals in pediatric nephrology.
  • Physiologic and metabolic issues in chronic kidney disease (CKD) impede these processes.
  • CKD presents significant challenges for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of optimizing growth and development in children with CKD.
  • To underscore the challenges posed by CKD to normal pediatric development.
  • To emphasize the role of clinical practice guidelines in managing CKD complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
  • Analysis of the impact of CKD on pediatric growth and development.
  • Identification of strategies for managing CKD-related complications.

Main Results:

  • CKD-related derangements significantly alter growth and development in children.
  • Early interventions are essential for mitigating negative impacts.
  • Guidelines support proactive management of complications.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing growth and development is a primary objective in pediatric nephrology.
  • Addressing CKD complications early is vital for improving pediatric outcomes.
  • Adherence to clinical guidelines enhances quality of life for children with CKD.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management01:22

Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) results in an inability to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Effective nursing management is critical in improving patient outcomes and includes comprehensive patient assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed history collection is essential, focusing on any recent infections, nephrotoxic medication use, or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may contribute to AKI. During the physical...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management01:16

Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...