Week 7: Nursing Care

Welcome to week 7 learning about diabetic nephropathy! Only one more week after this and you can share your knowledge with the world since you'll be an expert! Hah or at least I hope you feel that way! Now that we know what the disease is, how it arises, what you should look for and how it is treated it is time to talk about the nursing care you should be receiving. What types of things should nurses (like me) be doing while you are in the hospital as well as going home? What education should you be receiving to prevent diabetic nephropathy? Are you receiving the right type of information? Let's check it out.

Nurses play a huge part in preventing diabetic nephropathy by educating their diabetic patients. Nurses are the key position to implementing good preventative care. This care is accomplished by teaching patients about a healthy diet and exercise plan while tracking and discussing a patient's weight. Nurses are able to discuss medication regimens and look at lab results to see if the medication is working properly. Most importantly, nurses are able to teach patients how to use their insulin and when it should be uses. Controlling blood sugar levels is one of the most important things you can do to prevent diabetic nephropathy!

Secondly, when a nurse sees an inappropriate lab value or notices significant changes with the patient they are able to start the referral process. Nurses are able to refer to dietitians, diabetes educators, and many more specialists that can help slow the kidney disease down. This is an important part of identifying and handling your disease and nurses can be very important in this process!

Nurses are also influential in reminding patients about when their next labs or exams should be. They are often first to tell when something is different or when something is wrong. Nurses should be your best friend and confidant through this process. Be honest with them and talk to them about your concerns. Nurses have more time to spend with you than doctors so make sure they know everything. Write down a list if you might forget about things to tell them.

During a procedure, nurses will be the one to educate and inform you before, during, and after. They will tell you what the process will be like, how you should prepare, and what the most common side effects are. Now is a great time to ask questions!

Finally, let the nursing team know what you need from them. They are on your side and your biggest advocates! I may be a bit biased but I think nurses are the best :)

References

Aiello, JH. Preventing Diabetic Nephropathy: The Role of Primary Care. Feb 23, 1998. 23 (2): 12-3, 17-8, 23-4. 

Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, and Bucher. Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and management of Clinical Problems. 9th edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2014.