Working Together to Promote Kidney Health.

The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) and American Society of Nephrology (ASN) have joined forces with the goal of advancing improvements in kidney care through transformative change. Through the integration of expertise, resources, and networks from both organizations, these collaborations have the potential to improve patient outcomes, advance clinical practice, and shape policy initiatives. In this article, we describe our focus on three areas: strengthening the nephrology and nephrology nursing workforce, championing health care equity, and advocating for kidney health.

Development and First Clinical Use of an Extracorporeal Artificial Multiorgan System in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients.

Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a common and deadly condition. Patients with liver cirrhosis with acute-on-chronic liver failure (AOCLF) are particularly susceptible. Excess fluid accumulation in tissues makes routine hemodialysis generally ineffective because of cardiovascular instability.

Nephrology Nurses' Perspectives for the Designs of Mobile Hemodialysis Devices: A Human Factors Engineering Approach.

The goal of this study was to guide the early conceptual designs of two devices intended to improve the quality of life for patients on hemodialysis: a portable hemodialysis device and a wearable hemodialysis device. Thirty-two nephrology nurses were interviewed using a mixed approach of open-ended, rating, and rank-order questions. Results show most nurses try to persuade patients to try a modality of treatment that offers them the best clinical outcome and highest quality of life.

An Innovative Approach to Integrating Nephrology Nursing into Acute and Critical Care.

There is a growing number of individuals living with chronic kidney disease in the United States and worldwide. There is also a nursing shortage and increased need for nurses, particularly in specialties like nephrology. Meeting these growing demands and improving conditions for nurses will take multiple approaches and broadening of current systems.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Innovations in Dialysis.

Prior to the 1960s, chronic hemodialysis was limited by vascular access. Pioneers in dialysis technology created the first artificial kidney, chronic vascular access for hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis access. Now it is estimated that 600,000 people in the United States and over 2 million people worldwide receive renal replacement therapy.

Treatment of Hyperkalemia With a Low-Dose Insulin Protocol Is Effective and Results in Reduced Hypoglycemia.

Introduction: Complications associated with insulin treatment for hyperkalemia are serious and common. We hypothesize that, in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), giving 5 units instead of 10 units of i.v.

A wearable artificial kidney for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background: Stationary hemodialysis machines hinder mobility and limit activities of daily life during dialysis treatments. New hemodialysis technologies are needed to improve patient autonomy and enhance quality of life.

Methods: We conducted a FDA-approved human trial of a wearable artificial kidney, a miniaturized, wearable hemodialysis machine, based on dialysate-regenerating sorbent technology.

Enhancing medical-surgical nursing practice: using practice tests and clinical examples to promote active learning and program evaluation.

In a 14-week medical-surgical nursing review course, two teaching strategies are used to promote active learning and assess the transfer of knowledge to nursing practice. Practice tests and clinical examples provide opportunities for participants to engage in self-assessment and reflective learning and enhance their nursing knowledge, skills, and practice. These strategies also contribute to program evaluation and are adaptable to a variety of course formats, including traditional classroom, web conference, and online self-study.

Prevention of hemodialysis central line-associated bloodstream infections in acutely ill individuals.

An arteriovenous access is preferred for hemodialysis, but the use of tunneled, cuffed catheters may be necessary in the inpatient setting with acute kidney injury when immediate hemodialysis is required and fistula immaturity or access complications are present. Care of the dialysis central venous catheter is paramount in the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections in acutely ill individuals. One institution's approach to hemodialysis central venous catheter care and a quality improvement projectfor selecting tunneled catheters will highlight their changing practice.