Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Study

Abstract

An exploration of chronic kidney disease (CKD) focusing on a patient’s experience on admission to a nephrology ward. Causes of the disease include hypertension, diabetes and acute kidney injury, and progression could be slowed by medication to reduce blood pressure and glucose levels, along with dietary and lifestyle changes. As the average wait for a kidney transplant is around 3 years, finding a donor match is becoming increasingly difficult. Patients have several different treatment options, the most common being haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, both with advantages and issues. Complications of the disease include respiratory problems and fluid overload, with possible interventions being fluid monitoring and restrictions on fluid intake. Effects of the disease on the everyday life of patients include the need for regular invasive dialysis treatment, the necessary behavioural changes surrounding fluid intake and diet, and debilitating symptoms such as nausea and respiratory difficulty.