부산대학교 도서관

This case report describes the nursing care experience with a single female chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient facing the need for renal replacement therapy as well as the physiological, psychological and social stress associated with a lifelong chronic illness. The data was collected through observation, direct interview, telephone interview, physical assessment and chart review during the care period between October 8, 2007 and February 10, 2008. The Gordon 11-item Function Health Pattern Assessment Method was used to assess health problems including hopelessness, confliction about decision-making, risk of infection, and lack for social support. By building a positive Nurse-Patient relationship with the patient, the author was able to provide physical/psychosocial resources and support to the patient, help the patient prepare and care for the vascular access, and to provide full information about renal replacement therapy (RRT). Through an integrated and continuous nursing care program, the patient accepted and received RRT. Nursing intervention helped the patient cope with the negative emotions from having to undergo hemodialysis, helped the patient regain hope as well as make use of social welfare resources to develop a strong support system to deal with the physical, psychosocial, and economic stress. The focus of CKD care is not limited to only applying scientific knowledge in the physical area but also using the multiple supportive systems to meet the individual's psychosocial and economic needs.