Iron-Deficiency Anemia in CKD: A Narrative Review for the Kidney Care Team.

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased mortality and reduced health-related quality of life. Anemia is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that the body uses for oxygen transport. Iron is required to produce hemoglobin, and disruptions in the iron homeostasis can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

Geriatric Nephrology.

Older adults receiving critical care have a high risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) for many reasons. It is important that critical care nurses know and have the skills to address the risk factors, conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment, and implement evidence-based interventions. This article provides a review of this information.

Ethical Challenges When Caring for African American Older Adults Requesting to Withdraw From Dialysis.

The number of African American adults 65 years and older with end-stage kidney disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis is increasing. The high symptom burden (ie, pain, fatigue, depression) can make it challenging for many to continue dialysis, which can lead to request to withdraw from dialysis. This can present ethical challenges when someone has diminished decision-making capacity and no advance directives or family to assist with this complex decision.

All Things Bed Bugs: A Primer for Nephrology Nurses.

Bed bug infestation is on the rise, affecting individuals across all demographics and geographics worldwide. Of concern is nursing's lack of knowledge about bed bug transmission, prevention, elimination, and the management of bed bug bites. This article explores the evidence about the lifecycle of the bed bug, its typical presentation, and ways to prevent and eliminate bed bug infestation.

Does Hemodialysis Dialysate Potassium Composition Matter?

Dyskalemia is known to cause cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. In persons undergoing hemodialysis, potassium dialysate composition has been identified as a contributingfactor in addition to co-morbidities, medications, dietary potassium intake, and stage of kidney disease. Current evidence recommends a thorough evaluation of all factors affecting potassium balance, and lower potassium concentration should be used cautiously in patients who are likely to develop cardiac arrhythmias.

Changing Nephrology Nurses' Beliefs about the Value of Evidence-Based Practice and Their Ability to Implement in Clinical Practice.

A rapidly evolving healthcare environment demands sound research evidence to inform clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. Over the past several decades, nurses have generated new knowledge by conducting research studies, but it takes time for this evidence to be implemented in practice. As nurses strive to be leaders and active participants in healthcare redesign, it is essential that they possess the requisite knowledge and skills to engage in evidence-based practice (EBP).

Nephrology Nurse Perceptions Toward Advance Care Planning: Validation of a Measure.

Advance care planning is critical for persons with chronic kidney disease because they face a shortened lifespan. There is a paucity of reliable and valid measures exploring nephrology nurse perceptions toward advance care planning. This article reports the results of testing the factor structure, reliability, and validity of a newly developed measure of nephrology nurse perceptions toward advance care planning as well as information on nephrology nurses'perceptions on advance care planning.

Exploring Advance Care Planning from the Nephrology Nurse Perspective: A Literature Review.

Advance care planning is a process that engages healthcare providers and patients to articulate wishes of patients as their illness progresses. Persons with chronic kidney disease require earlier and more frequent advance care planning conversations because they are faced with increased co-morbidities and a shortened lifespan. This literature review explores the phenomenon of advance care planning and the potential factors affecting nephrology nurse engagement in these discussions.

Development and Initial Validation of the NephRN Perceptions Toward Advance Care Planning Instrument.

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test an instrument to measure the perceptions of nephrology nurses toward advance care planning, the NephRN Perceptions Toward Advance Care Planning instrument. Four components of advance care planning were identified: knowledge, attitudes, comfort, and support. The four-component solution explained 63.

Exploring the evidence for end-of-life care in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Much of the evidence supporting a focus on end-of-life care for persons with kidney disease is in the form of expert opinion and professional practice guidelines based on multi-disciplinary input and an exploration of the known illness trajectory for renal disease. Limited intervention studies or randomized control trials related to palliative or hospice care for patients in the U.S.

Age-appropriate health promotion education: roots firmly established in baccalaureate nursing pediatric rotation.

The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice [American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008, October 8). Retrieved September 11, 2009, from http://www.

Advance care planning for patients with chronic kidney disease--why aren't nurses more involved?

Few patients with chronic kidney disease complete advance care planning and require the assistance and encouragement of their caregivers to address advance care planning needs. However, most nephrology nurses are reluctant to initiate these discussions and believe that patients will find these discussions upsetting. This article explores the fears that nephrology nurses have in addressing ACP with their patients, how this reality relates to general nursing research on the topic, and possible approaches to assist nephrology nurses in gaining confidence and expertise in this area.

Planning for a good death: a neglected but essential part of ESRD care.

Planning a "good death" is a neglected, but essential, part of the care of patients with end stage renal disease and their families. Many of these patients do not have advance directives and few utilize palliative care. Guidelines from medical and specialty nursing organizations regarding end-of-life (EOL) issues and palliative care have been developed, but they are not consistently used by the nephrology community.

End of life issues and advance care planning in the elderly patient.

Mr. J. achieved the desired outcome that was the best for him and his family.