Well guys, here we are! The final week of learning about diabetic nephropathy! We did it!
For the final week I am going to be talking about what nursing diagnoses are applicable to diabetic nephropathy. Nursing diagnoses are not medical diagnoses- instead a nursing diagnoses discusses the problem within the problem. The medical diagnoses is diabetic nephropathy, but for nurses the diagnoses might talk about lack of knowledge in regards to the disease. Basically, how does diabetic nephropathy affect your life and not just your body?
Nursing diagnoses are relative and present nurses with an opportunity to more effectively teach the patient. These diagnoses show us where to focus our attention and highlight some of the most important parts of the disease. Let's jump in!
Knowledge deficit regarding the condition, prognosis, treatment, self-care and discharge needs related to unfamiliarity with information or resources. What this long sentence says to nurses is that you are unfamiliar with what the disease is, what it is doing to you, and what resources are available to help! This blog is a resource that you can share with your friends and there are thousands of blogs just like this! Nurses should be helping you find information like this..and let me tell you it is readily available.
Fluid volume excess related to compromised regulatory mechanisms as evidenced by venous distention, edema, fatigue, weakness, and restlessness. What this nursing diagnoses says is that there is too much fluid in your body that the kidneys cannot get rid of since they aren't working properly. Remember some of the common effects of diabetic nephropathy were from our previous weeks? Well they are listed here again... edema (swelling), fatigue or tiredness, and weakness throughout the body.
Risk for impaired skin integrity related to altered sensation secondary to diabetic nephropathy as evidenced by high glucose levels. What this one tells us that you have a risk for injuring your skin due to uncontrolled blood levels. Just like we have talked about before, it is important to keep your sugar levels controlled for SO many reasons. One of those it to keep your skin intact.
Altered fluid and electrolyte imbalance related to urinary retention as evidenced by dyspnea, decreased urine output and generalized edema. Since the kidneys aren't functioning at their maximum level your body will not produce as much urine. In turn you won't need to go to the bathroom as much. Inside your body, the increased retention of fluid can alter the electrolytes. This is something that nurses need to pay close attention to because if your electrolytes get too wacky you can have serious problems else where in your body.
Risk for anxiety related to change in health status. Any time a patient finds out they are diagnosed with a disease or have a change in their health it is a shock. Some diseases can be life threatening and some threaten who we are as a person. It is important to recognize that your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you are feeling anxious or uncertain about your diagnosis talk to a health care provided- someone like your nurse might be a great place to start :)
Okay guys....THANK YOU for following with me over the past 8 weeks. I hope reading this blog has been as helpful for you as it has been for me to write. Please let me know if you have any questions and I would love to help out! And remember, nurses are your best friends!
