DESCRIPTION:
Illustrates how theory is applied in practice, using case histories of real patients
Gives appropriate doses of drugs, which is often difficult in renal failure
A portable, practical, and accessible handbook on a complex group of patients
Highlights how to facilitate good communication between renal and palliative care teams
There is an ever increasing awareness that all patients are entitled to a good quality death and that diagnosing end of life is as important as diagnosing a chest infection. This is particularly true for renal patients where dialysis can be continued and complications treated even when the patient is dying. End of Life Care in Nephrology provides practical guidance on all aspects of this difficult field the clinical state of dying renal patients, how to control their symptoms, and how to help patients and their medical teams discuss difficult issues such as dialysis withdrawal and death. The book highlights how to facilitate good communication between renal and palliative care teams and the theory is illustrated by case histories.
Written by a palliative care physician who has worked closely with renal patients for many years, a nephrologist, and a counsellor, this handbook will be ideal for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in renal medicine and palliative care.
CONTENTS:
1. End-stage renal disease
2. Comorbidity
3. Complications of end-stage renal disease
4. Causes of death in end-stage renal disease
5. Health-related quality of life in end-stage renal disease
6. The management of pain
7. Non-pain symptoms in end-stage renal disease
8. Recognising dying
9. Communicating with patients and families
10. The place of supportive and palliative care in end-stage renal disease
11. Ethical and legal considerations
12. End of life care
13. Spiritual and religious care
14. Caring for the carers
15. Drug doses in patients with advanced chronic renal disease
