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Chronic Kidney Disease - Recognition and management

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Recognising and managing chronic kidney disease

For many years deteriorating kidney function was seen as simply an inevitable part of ageing, something for which little could be done. However, it was also recognised that renal impairment was linked to many other long-term conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In 2004, the Department of Health launched a National Service Framework (NSF) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and this was subsequently supported by the publication of NICE guidance on the diagnosis and management of CKD in 2008. Further weight was given to the importance of early diagnosis of CKD with the focus on case finding in NHS Health Checks programme in 2009. People with or at risk of CKD may also be identified through blood tests carried out for other reasons in general practice. All clinicians should therefore be aware of what to look for and how to manage suspected or confirmed cases of CKD.

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at intermediate level, tests your knowledge of CKD based on national and international guidance. Complete the resource, including reading the featured articles and undertaking some or all of the activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.

Aims and objectives

On completion of this resource, you should have an understanding of:

  • The tests used to diagnose CKD
  • The definition of CKD
  • The significance of a diagnosis of CKD
  • The role of general practice nurses in the management of CKD
  • The possible complications of CKD

Practice Nurse featured article

Chronic kidney disease – an update Dr Mary Lowth

Recommended reading

NICE CG182 Chronic Kidney Disease: early identification and management of chronic kidney disease in primary and secondary care, 2014 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG182

NHS Kidney Care (2010) Key facts and figures Available from www.kidneycare.nhs.uk

SIGN (2008) Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease Available from https://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign103.pdf

National Kidney Foundation website - https://www.kidney.org.uk/