Nursing Care Plan for Chronic Kidney Disease
Also searched as: CKD, chronic renal failure, ESRD
🎓 Educational example. Adapt to your patient and have your instructor review it. Not medical advice.
A progressive, long-term loss of kidney function affecting fluid, electrolyte, and waste balance. Nursing care centers on fluid and electrolyte control, blood-pressure management, and preparing the patient for ongoing treatment.
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Assessment
- Subjective: fatigue, nausea, itching, reduced urine output, reports of dietary/fluid restrictions
- Objective: elevated creatinine/BUN, edema, hypertension, hyperkalemia risk, decreased GFR
Nursing diagnoses
As evidenced by: edema, weight gain, hypertension
As evidenced by: rising potassium, altered creatinine/BUN
Goals / expected outcomes
- The patient will maintain fluid balance with stable weight and reduced edema during care.
- The patient will describe the prescribed fluid, diet, and medication plan before discharge.
Nursing interventions & rationale
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Monitor daily weight, intake/output, edema, and blood pressure. | Weight and I&O are the most reliable indicators of fluid status in CKD. |
| Track electrolytes and watch for high potassium; report changes. | Impaired excretion causes dangerous hyperkalemia affecting the heart. |
| Reinforce fluid, sodium, potassium, and protein restrictions as ordered. | Dietary control slows progression and prevents fluid/electrolyte overload. |
| Administer and teach prescribed medications (e.g., BP agents, phosphate binders). | Blood-pressure and mineral control protect remaining kidney function. |
Evaluation
- Stable weight and reduced edema
- Electrolytes within acceptable limits
- Patient verbalizes diet, fluid, and medication plan
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Build a care plan free See Student plan — $6.99/monthChronic Kidney Disease care plan: FAQ
What is the nursing diagnosis for Chronic Kidney Disease?
Common nursing diagnoses include: Excess fluid volume related to reduced kidney excretion; Risk for electrolyte imbalance related to impaired filtration. Choose the one your patient's assessment data supports.
What are nursing interventions for Chronic Kidney Disease?
Key interventions: Monitor daily weight, intake/output, edema, and blood pressure.; Track electrolytes and watch for high potassium; report changes.; Reinforce fluid, sodium, potassium, and protein restrictions as ordered. — each paired with a rationale.
Can I use this care plan for my assignment?
Use it as a study example and starting draft. Always adapt it to your specific patient and have it reviewed by your instructor. This is an educational tool, not medical advice.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content based on standard nursing practice; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC. Always follow your institution's protocols and your instructor's guidance.