It can be difficult to watch a loved one suffer from chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney disease has become a common problem among the elderly. As part of the patient’s treatment, most doctors recommend dialysis a few times per week. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that lasts approximately 4 hours per session.
Nurses are in charge of preventing technique failure due to infections during these sessions. While older patients are generally more eager to learn about and manage their condition, as a caregiver, you must address specific needs.
Our nurses at Four Seasons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recognize that dialysis patients require more than just clinical care; they also require psychological and social support. Our nurses strive to help patients maintain as high a quality of life as possible while taking medical data into account.
What is the role of nurses in elder care dialysis?
Nephrology nurses are registered nurses who care for patients with kidney disease. Nephrology is defined as “the study of the physiology and diseases of the kidney.” Nephrology nurses are registered nurses who have received specialized education and experience in caring for patients who have kidney disease or are at high risk of developing kidney disease while receiving health care services. Nurses who work in hemodialysis centers for the elderly plan and manage their patients’ care. Their responsibilities include the following:
Provide patient education
Patients, particularly first-time patients who visit a dialysis clinic for the first time, understandably feel anxious and angry about their need for dialysis. This procedure will take over their lives until they receive a new kidney. Patients are taught what to expect during dialysis by nurses. They inform the patient and his or her family about the illness, procedures, symptoms, and treatment plan. They accompany them throughout the entire process. They explain how long each dialysis session will take and answer any questions the patient may have during the procedure.
We understand the importance of educating you on how to care for your body so that you can heal quickly at Four Seasons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. With many years of experience, our nurses will assess you and create a personalized recovery plan just for you.
Prevent complications
A nurse’s important role is to prevent complications during the dialysis process. A nurse is required to
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs and talk with them throughout the process to assess their condition.
- Review the patient’s lab results before starting the dialysis to confirm that the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balances are within acceptable limits.
- Evaluate the patient’s reaction to the dialysis treatment and medication.
- Weigh the patient before and after the procedure to ensure the right amount of fluid is returned to the body.
- Ensure the patient receives the proper medication and dosage that their doctors recommend.
- Help patients follow up with their transplant center.
- Support the entire care team in delivering quality healthcare in a mindful, respectful manner.
Nurses also make certain that patients do not take any medications that could cause complications during the procedure, such as blood pressure medication, which can cause blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels. Before discharge, nurses monitor the patient for signs of serious complications or adverse reactions to the treatment.
Offer encouragement
A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can place a significant emotional burden on the patient. The patient’s entire life is turned upside down, especially after being forced to begin hemodialysis treatment. Furthermore, a variety of stressors that affect patients at this stage may result in depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, most people overlook the importance of patients regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives, even if it is the most important factor in their lives.
During this time, these patients require emotional support from nurses who have received training in caring for patients with kidney diseases. Being a good listener for the patient and his or her family is part of the nursing role in hemodialysis. They encourage them to express their feelings and offer suggestions for coping with their new way of life or the waiting period if they are on the transplant waiting list. They also assist patients and their loved ones in adjusting to the realities of weekly dialysis.
The Role of Nurses in Home Dialysis
Some dialysis patients prefer to get hemodialysis in the comfort of their own home. Still, these patients rely on nephrology nurses to plan, coordinate and oversee their care. While the duties of a home dialysis nurse are similar to those of an in-center hemodialysis nurse, there are some differences. Their duties include:
- Monitoring and recording a patient’s vitals before, during and after dialysis
- Properly setting up the dialysis machines
- Preparing and updating a training plan for each patient
- Taking into consideration the patient’s learning needs and providing education about their treatment
- Teaching their patients how to do hemodialysis in the home setting
- Giving the patients medication as ordered by their doctors
- helping patients follow up with their transplant center
- Evaluating the patient’s ability to perform their dialysis treatment and take all doctor-prescribed medication
- Review the patient’s home medications, lab work, and activities and let the doctors know about changes in the patient’s condition.
Are you looking for a dialysis center for a loved one in Brooklyn, NY?
In Brooklyn, NY, the Four Seasons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides specialized care to elderly patients with kidney disease. Our state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive kidney care, including assessment, rehabilitation, and management of kidney disease. Our primary goal is to provide high-quality healthcare while achieving the best therapeutic outcome possible. For elderly patients, we strive for optimal well-being in order to improve quality of life.
We provide treatments in a small group setting, where they will appreciate the personal attention of highly qualified, experienced, and compassionate nurses. The nurses at Four Seasons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center aren’t just there to connect you to the machine. They are highly trained professionals who provide respectful, holistic care of the highest quality. If you or a loved one are considering a dialysis nursing home, please call us at (718) 927-6300 to learn more about our skilled nursing facility.
