POTASSIUM MONITORING IN HEMODIALYSIS
Rationale for Design, Implementation and
Schrier and Andrews (2002) have noted the importance of preserving potassium balance in patients undergoing hemodialysis given today's renoprotective therapies; this is because these therapies often promote potassium retention which, if left unchecked, can lead to a variety of very serious outcomes such as stroke, arhythmias, hypertension, and other serious conditions. Adding to this problem is the fact that the authors point out that many clinicians may be unaware that the new therapies put people at risk for this problem.
However, even when clinicians are aware of the problem of potassium retention, there is often a good deal of uncertainty as to the best way to monitor potassium levels. Clearly, what is needed is an educational program that focuses on potassium monitoring and related issues for hemodialysis patients. This paper presents a proposal for such a program.
Rationale for Design, Implementation and Evaluation of the Educational Program
Regarding the design, implementation and evaluation of the program, the decision was made to use the strategies and methods associated with Pender's Health Promotion Model of Nursing (see: Pender, Murdaugh & Parsons, 2002). This model was selected as the foundational element for program strategies and methods because it is specifically structured for an educational program. Also, the model provides some very specific methods for promoting health in narrow areas such as potassium monitoring by focusing on what information should be taught and how it should be taught. Moreover, not only has the model been used extensively for the development and implementation of patient education programs, but evaluations of the use of the Health Promotion Model for such programs demonstrate highly successful outcomes (Whitehead, 2003).
The content that will be used in the proposed education program will be b...