Chronic Renal Failure and Dialysis - Essay Example

Chronic Renal Failure Chronic Renal Failure and Dialysis Dialysis is carried out as critical life support in patients suffering from kidney failure. It is a mechanical way of cleansing the blood as well as chemicals and balance body fluids when the kidneys are not in a position to carry out important functions (Himmelfarb & Sayegh, 2010). An access to the vascular system is required to carry out the blood-cleansing function of the kidneys through dialysis. A graft is usually the access of choice when a patient needing dialysis has small veins.

Several health care providers are needed in the care of a patient undergoing insertion of a dialysis graft (Daugirdas, 2011). A surgeon is needed to create the access using a synthetic tube that is implanted in the arm under the skin. A laboratory technician is also of importance in the care of such a patient to carry out blood tests so as to ensure the dialysis prescription is most favorable. Moreover, a nephrologist is needed to offer health education to the patient concerning care of the access, side effects of dialysis, and dietary modifications (Daugirdas, 2011).

History and Physical Examination of a Patient with Chronic Renal Failure Patients with chronic kidney disease are frequently asymptomatic but they can have history of passing no or small urine amounts, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, and loss of appetite (Himmelfarb & Sayegh, 2010). On physical examination, the key findings may include; swelling especially of the ankles, facial puffiness, anemia, pruritus, dry skin, loss of lean body mass, and muscle weakness. The above elements should be communicated to all health providers managing such a patient for effective care.

In addition, kidney function tests should be carried out to check on how the kidneys are functioning and the effectiveness of the dialysis. References Daugirdas, J. T. (2011). Handbook of chronic kidney disease management. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health. Himmelfarb, J., & Sayegh, M. H. (2010). Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and transplantation: Companion to Brenner & Rectors the kidney. Philadelphia: Saunders.