Patient J is an elderly female who presented to the ED with pneumonia, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, and sepsis. Patient J’s genitourinary issues include stage three chronic kidney disease (hereinafter CKD) with high BUN and creatinine lab work supporting this condition. She also has a history of Diabetes Mellitus II which is of significance due to the relationship between high blood sugar and kidney damage. Also of significance are three contributors to the concept of chronic kidney failure: obesity, anemia, hypertension.
GENITOURINARY EXCRETION
Chronic kidney disease shares similar qualities with acute renal failure due to the nature of the physiological factors at work, however acute renal failure typically presents itself with sudden onset and is reversible, whereas chronic kidney failure is an insidious and permanent disease that manifests over time (Chronic Kidney Disease, 2016). The nature of the illness lies in its core functionality which is impaired, impacts the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, and ultimately affects other systems and processes in the body. This translates to the diminishment of key functions such as electrolyte imbalances, accumulation of toxins, a shift in the maintenance of fluid balance, and a decreased ability to produce erythropoietin (Lowth, 2016).
PHYSIOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF KIDNEY FAILURE …show more content…
These compound her health issues and warrant the need for continuity of care across professional health disciplines, collaborating with nursing care (Garcin, 2015). A critical piece in her care is to ensure she has established contact with an endocrinologist to help manage her diabetes, a nephrologist to monitor her kidney function, and a cardiologist to help manage her cardiovascular health (Garcin, 2015). A dietitian consult prior to discharge could prove helpful in reviewing proper diet