17 Chronic Renal Failure Nursing Care Plans

March 10, 2014

Chronic renal failure (CRF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the end result of a gradual, progressive loss of kidney function. The loss of function may be so slow that you do not have symptoms until your kidneys have almost stopped working.

The final stage of chronic kidney disease is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At this stage, the kidneys are no longer able to remove enough wastes and excess fluids from the body. At this point, you would need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Nursing Care Plans

The nursing care planning goal for with chronic renal failure is to prevent further complications and supportive care. Client education is also critical as this is a chronic disease and thus requires long-term treatment.

Below are 17 nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis for patients with chronic renal failure or chronic kidney disease:

Risk for Infection

Risk for Infection: At increased risk for being invaded by pathogenic organisms.

May be related to

Pulmonary edema
Metabolic acidosis
Uremia
Loss of appetite

Possibly evidenced by

[not applicable]

Desired Outcomes

Child will not experience infection as evidenced by temperature remains <99° F, normal WBC count, urine and/or blood cultures negative.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Assess temperature, respiratory and urinary system changes as the disease progresses.	Provides information about the presence of infection caused by progressive chronic disease and its deteriorating effect on all systems.
Assess lab results for infection (elevated WBC and positive blood cultures).	To prevent and treat an infection.
Secure urine or sputum cultures for analysis.	Identifies the presence and type of microorganism responsible for infection and specific sensitivities to antibiotic therapy.
Perform handwashing, medical or surgical asepsis during procedures or care as appropriate. Instruct child and parents in handwashing technique, proper disposal of tissues and used articles.	Prevents transmission of pathogens to the child.
Administer antibiotic therapy as ordered (specify drug, dose, route, and times).	Prevents or treats an infection.
Teach parents and child to decrease the growth of microorganisms by bathing daily, wiping from front to back after toileting, and wearing loose cotton underwear.	Information empowers parents and child to help prevent infection.
Teach the child to avoid contact with persons with upper respiratory infections.	Prevents the transmission of infectious agents that may lead to pneumonia.