NR 305 Week 6 Course Project Milestone

NR 305 Week 6 Course Project Milestone

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-305: RN Health Assessment

Prof. Name:

Date

Understanding Kidney Disease: Managing Hypertension for Healthier Kidneys

Chronic Hypertension as a Risk Factor for Kidney Disease

Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for kidney disease, making its management essential. Despite being preventable and treatable through lifestyle modifications and medication, unmanaged high blood pressure can lead to irreversible complications, particularly affecting kidney health. This discussion examines the link between hypertension and kidney disease, emphasizes management strategies, and presents an actionable health plan using a case study of JD, a client at risk of developing kidney disease due to uncontrolled hypertension.

Link Between Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Uncontrolled hypertension damages blood vessels supplying the kidneys, hindering their ability to filter waste effectively. Over time, this can lead to severe complications such as fluid retention (causing swelling), respiratory issues due to fluid buildup, and metabolic imbalances leading to fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. JD’s case highlights the risks of uncontrolled hypertension, even in individuals without a familial predisposition, as his high cholesterol and hypertension increase his vulnerability to kidney damage.

Populations at Higher Risk

Kidney disease risks are amplified in individuals with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, or a family history of kidney issues. Ethnic disparities are also evident, with African Americans at greater risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to other populations. JD’s demographic and medical conditions underscore the importance of proactive management strategies to mitigate these risks.

Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Disease

Diagnostic Measures

Identifying kidney disease involves:

1. Physical Exams: Detecting renal artery bruits to assess renal artery stenosis.
2. Laboratory Tests:
   • Urinalysis: Reveals proteinuria, albuminuria, or high creatinine levels.
   • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Used to measure kidney function.
3. Imaging:
   • Ultrasonography and Renal Arteriography: Identify abnormalities in kidney blood flow.
   • Echocardiography: Detects cardiac issues like left ventricular hypertrophy.

Interventions for Hypertension Management

Evidence-based strategies focus on empowering individuals through digital health technologies. For example, JD could benefit from using a smartphone application that provides reminders for medication intake and blood pressure monitoring.

Technology in Health Management

The integration of technology facilitates:

• Medication Reminders: Alerts for prescriptions and dosages.
• Patient Portals: Allow patients to log meals, exercise, and health metrics.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Syncing devices to track and share real-time data with healthcare providers.

These tools can help JD maintain a healthier lifestyle and better manage his treatment plan.

Teaching Plan and Evaluation

Structured Teaching Plan

1. Monitoring Blood Pressure: JD should record his blood pressure twice daily using a device synced to an online portal.
2. Logging Health Data: Encourage regular entries of meals, exercise, and medication adherence.
3. Support Systems: Encourage JD to engage with a nutritionist, fitness groups, or smoking cessation programs.

Evaluating Progress

Key metrics for evaluating JD’s health improvements include:

1. Blood Pressure Trends: Ensuring consistent, healthy readings.
2. Health Activity Logs: Regularly reviewing logs to ensure adherence to dietary and exercise plans.
3. Medication Compliance: Monitoring consistent medication use.
4. Lifestyle Choices: Verifying the avoidance of harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol use.

By addressing challenges and offering specialist referrals when necessary, JD’s progress can be effectively monitored.

Table: Overview of Kidney Disease Management

Conclusion

Effective hypertension management significantly reduces the risk of kidney disease. Through proactive lifestyle changes, technology, and healthcare support, JD can mitigate these risks and improve his health. Consistent evaluation and adaptation of his treatment plan will further support his journey toward better health.

References

Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical Examination & Health Assessment (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

McLean, G., et al. (2015). Digital Interventions to Promote Self-Management in Adults with Hypertension: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(11), 1. https://doi-org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/10.2196/resprot.4648

Schub, T. B. (2018). Hypertension and Kidney Disease. CINAHL Nursing Guide. Retrieved from https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=T703239&site=eds-live&scope=site

NR 305 Week 6 Course Project Milestone

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (n.d.). Identify and Manage Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/nkdep/identify-manage-patients/manage-ckd