Final answer:
Individuals aged 18 and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should manage underlying conditions, follow healthy lifestyle practices, and monitor kidney function regularly. As CKD progresses, monitoring symptoms and preparing for renal replacement therapies become necessary. A multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive care and quality of life for CKD patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
For individuals aged 18 years and older with CKD, regardless of race or diabetes status, several care and monitoring considerations must be followed. Firstly, it is important to manage underlying conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and hypertension, which are common causes of CKD. Lifestyle modifications including a balanced diet, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight can also slow the progression of kidney damage. Regular monitoring of kidney function via blood tests to measure serum creatinine and Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urine tests for protein is essential.
As CKD advances to Stage 3 and beyond, where a moderate to severe reduction in GFR is observed, the risk for complications increases. It is crucial to monitor for symptoms such as nausea, blood in the urine, muscle cramps, and swelling of extremities. In case of end-stage kidney disease (Stage 5 CKD), where GFR drops below 15 mL/min/1.73 m², renal replacement therapies like dialysis or a kidney transplant become necessary. Education on different forms of dialysis, such as hemodialysis, and preparation for transplant are important aspects of care. Patients should also be aware of the potential for acute-on-chronic renal failure, which requires prompt medical attention.
For overall management, a multidisciplinary team approach involving nephrologists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals is recommended to optimize the patient's quality of life and manage the complexities of CKD. It is also vital for patients to have regular follow-ups to assess their renal function and adjust treatments accordingly.