End Stage Renal Failure Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is End Stage Renal Failure?

End Stage Renal Failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the kidneys become so severely damaged that they can no longer function normally. This condition, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is usually caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other diseases that damage the kidneys. People with ESRD often require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive and maintain their quality of life.The symptoms of End Stage Renal Failure vary depending on the individual and can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling in the body’s extremities (edema), shortness of breath due to fluid overload in the lungs (pulmonary edema,) muscle cramps and bone pain due to mineral imbalances resulting from kidney failure. It is important for patients with ESRD to be monitored closely by their doctor so that any changes are immediately detected and treated appropriately. Treatment for End Stage Renal Failure typically involves either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis involves using special equipment to filter waste products from your blood when your kidneys are unable to do so on their own. A kidney transplant replaces your damaged kidneys with healthy ones from another person; however it is not always possible to find an appropriate donor match which limits treatment options for those suffering from this disorder. Living with ESRD can be both physically and emotionally challenging but there are ways to manage it through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet low in sodium, phosphorus and potassium; monitoring fluid intake; exercising regularly; reducing stress levels; taking medications as prescribed; avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption; getting adequate sleep every night; attending follow up appointments regularly with your doctor or nurse practitioner ; participating in support groups or counseling services if needed ; learning about home dialysis options if applicable ; talking openly about concerns you have related to your health ; advocating for yourself when needed ; staying informed about advances made in treatments for end stage renal failure. It is important for those living with End Stage Renal Failure (ESRD) to receive ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team including nephrologists, social workers , dietitians , nurses , physical therapists , mental health professionals , pharmacists , educators etc. With proper management it is possible for people living with this disorder lead full active lives despite its many challenges.