Small Talks: Caring for Residents with Chronic Kidney Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 37 million Americans are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). With numbers steadily increasing more patients with CKD are residing or visiting a nursing home for a short-term stay. CKD patients are medically complex, often requiring care for multiple comorbidities.

Emphasizing the unique needs of these patients can slow the progression of CKD, ensure adequate care, and quality of life. This session will discuss the health challenges of CKD patients, the stages and progression into end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and important nutrition, medication, and medical management necessary for well-rounded care.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify at least three unique elements of caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease
• Define the levels of chronic kidney disease and the progression to end-stage renal disease
• Summarize the importance of diet/nutrition, medication management, and management of comorbid conditions as they relate to chronic kidney disease
• Integrate knowledge gained into practice when caring for chronic kidney disease patients