How Should Nurses Manage Patients with Renal Dysfunction?
Effective management involves several steps: 1. Monitoring Vital Signs: Regularly check blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. 2. Fluid Management: Balance fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload. 3. Medication Administration: Administer medications that support renal function and manage symptoms. Be aware of nephrotoxic drugs that can further impair kidney function. 4. Electrolyte Management: Monitor and correct imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. 5. Nutritional Support: Provide dietary recommendations to minimize renal workload. This often includes limiting protein, sodium, and potassium intake.
