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Kidney Transplant

Treatment

Treatment 1995

During 1995 several problems were noted:

Potassium levels in the blood rose above normal and the patient was cautioned about high potassium foods such as tomatoes, potatoes, melons, oranges, bananas and chocolate.

The kidneys became less able to maintain the acid balance in the body. CO₂ (carbon dioxide) level in the blood dropped. Sam was placed on Bicitra®, a buffer designed to neutralize acidity and normalize the carbon dioxide. This, in turn, would help prevent fatigue and nausea.

Gout can sometimes be a problem in renal patients. Uric acid levels increased and Sam was placed on Allopurinol to help normalize uric acid.

The family became concerned at Sam's mood changes during this time. He had changed. He vacillated between depression and fits of rage and anger over his fate and his life.

The physician recommended counseling and asked Sam to let him know if he felt he needed medication to help depression.

Blood pressure control became more difficult. Another medication, Cardura®, was added in late 1995 to help control pressure.

Objective:

State the management goals of a patient with declining kidney function