Potassium Monitoring in Hemodialsyis

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 m

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ements and prevent complications. Also, whenever possible, all measures and methods of monitoring K+ levels will be shown to patients to ensure that they have a sound knowledge of methods. What needs to be noted here is that all of the foregoing resources, methods and approaches, and any other approaches/methods/resources that are used in the program at the point where it has been fully designed and implemented, will be those associated and in accord with the objectives, assumptions and values of the Health Promotion Model. Therefore, the proposed program methods and procures will all be in accord with the nursing model serving as its foundation. Learning Objectives As a result of exposure to the program, it is expected that all patients will attain several learning objectives. In terms of these learning objectives, the patient will be expected to demonstrate: 1. An understanding of potassium in the diet such as the main sources of K+ foods. They will also understand that regional, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors influence daily K+ intake with high interindividual as well as day-to-day intraindividual variation. 2. An understanding of serum potassium and its measurement, the normal range for K+ values and how the condit

Category: Medical - P