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End-Stage Renal Failure & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of patien

Rehabilitation of patients with end-stage renal disease should involve more than just the maintenance of physiologic homeostasis. Nephrology health care teams must also strive to maximize patients' functional capacity and overall well-being. While end-stage renal disease can not be completely cured, its treatment may comprise numerous aspects. Just some of these include the medical, psychological, occupational, and social therapeutic dimensions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (Kutner, 1994, p. 321)." This general definition has served to delineate certain health care objectives for the chronic diseases. Traditionally, health care providers focused on the clinical aspects of an individual's disease. The WHO's definition of health, however, suggests that caregivers should broaden their emphasis (Levinsky & Mesler, 1994, p. 244).

The pathologic processes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) follow an evolving course. In adults, ESRD tends to be caused by multisystem disease, diabetes, and hypertension; whereas, in children, ESRD is typically related to congenital problems and "child-oriented" diseases such as renal tumors and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Symptoms of renal failure may span the range from being nonexistent to those associated with advanced uremia (Morrin, 1983, p. 1). Generally though, ESRD symptoms are diverse. Patients often suffer from fatigue, lethargy, and weakness. In addition, they may complain of nausea, vomiting, nocturia, shortness of breath, bone pain, acute arthritis, uremic pericarditis, uremic pleuritis, and peripheral edema. Neurologic signs can also be present; these may include irritability, inability to concentrate, confusion, muscle twitching, muscle cramping, and coma. Finally, renal failure may cause hormonal abnormalities. These can alter repro...

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End-Stage Renal Failure & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of patien. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 12:22, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1702130.html