Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
08:50
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Geriatric assessment for the nephrologist.
Jocelyn Wiggins1, Markus Bitzer
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. wiggi@umich.edu
Seminars in Dialysis
|November 24, 2012
Summary
Older, sicker patients on dialysis require specialized care. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) helps dialysis teams manage complex needs, improving care coordination for frail elderly individuals undergoing kidney replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nephrology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Dialysis providers face a growing population of elderly, frail patients with multiple comorbidities and impairments.
- Managing these complex patients significantly increases the workload for dialysis teams.
- Existing care models may not adequately address the multifaceted needs of this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in elderly dialysis patients.
- To explore how CGA components can be integrated into standard dialysis care.
- To provide strategies for enhancing care coordination for complex geriatric dialysis populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) principles.
- Analysis of the interaction between CGA elements and routine dialysis procedures.
- Discussion of challenges and benefits of implementing CGA in dialysis settings.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) offers a structured approach to evaluating older, frail dialysis patients.
- Key CGA elements, such as functional status, cognition, and comorbidity assessment, are crucial for tailoring care.
- Integration of CGA can improve patient management and support dialysis teams.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a valuable tool for optimizing care for elderly dialysis patients.
- Implementing CGA can lead to better-coordinated, patient-centered care for those with complex health needs.
- Further research should focus on practical implementation strategies and outcome evaluation of CGA in nephrology.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
01:28Chronic 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...
01:18Chronic 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...