{"title":"Evolving Pharmacological Management of Hyperkalemia: Insights for Nephrology Clinicians.","authors":"Mary S Haras","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening complication affecting up to 30% of patients with chronic kidney disease or end stage kidney disease, requiring urgent intervention to mitigate cardiac arrhythmias. Acute management focuses on three main goals: stabilizing the myocardial membrane with calcium gluconate, shifting potassium into cells using insulin and glucose, and removing excess potassium from the body. Oral potassium binders like sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer, and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate play an important role in managing hyperkalemia. Nephrology nurses play a critical role in recognizing hyperkalemia, optimizing pharmacologic therapy, providing comprehensive patient education regarding management of hyperkalemia, and monitoring for side effects like gastrointestinal issues, hypomagnesemia, or edema. By mastering these pharmacological strategies and nursing considerations, clinicians ensure patient safety and the continued use of essential cardiorenal protective therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"373-379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immunosuppressant and Prophylactic Medications in Patients with a Kidney Transplant.","authors":"Amy Perry, Miranda Kopfman","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kidney transplantation is one of several treatment options available for patients with end stage kidney disease. Management of patients following kidney transplantation is a complex, multi-faceted endeavor that requires the involvement of all members of the multidisciplinary team. Medications used to prevent transplant rejection come with a myriad of side effects and monitoring considerations. In addition to immunosuppression, these patients are also more susceptible to infections and require antimicrobial prophylaxis in the early post-transplant period. Understanding the common medications and their side effects helps guide appropriate care of the patient following their kidney transplant.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"341-348"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Assessment and Management.","authors":"Deborah H Brooks","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease are at risk for developing anemia and iron deficiency with and without anemia. Therapies to manage these conditions and evidence-based guidelines are available to assist in evaluating and directing management. Patient history, laboratory evaluation, current therapy, and patient preference all assist in making an accurate plan of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"381-390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Astrid Trapp, Shea Fanning, Shayla Barraclough, Alice Luehr
{"title":"Impact of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Phosphate Binder Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in a Dialysis Population.","authors":"Astrid Trapp, Shea Fanning, Shayla Barraclough, Alice Luehr","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) experience high medication burden and are at increased risk for medication-related problems and non-adherence. The objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacist-led interventions on adherence and phosphorus control. It was a prospective, three-phase study integrating a pharmacist into a hospital-based dialysis program that provided hemodialysis (chronic, acute, and in-patient), peritoneal dialysis, and home hemodialysis. This study showed improved adherence, phosphorus control, and reduced discrepancies among the studied population. Pharmacist integration into the program also improved outcomes and workflow efficiency. Upon completion of this educational activity, the learner will demonstrate increased knowledge of the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on medication adherence and clinical outcomes in patients on KRT.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"363-380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mineral Supplement Use in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: What Nephrology Nurses Need to Know.","authors":"Kristin Larson, Katherine Klosterman","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mineral supplements play a key role in the diet. Recom mendations for optimal intake are based on a person without kidney disease. Through a review of recent publications, four minerals and their relationship to a person with impaired kidney function will be discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"359-362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sick Day Medication Guidance for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease in Outpatient Settings.","authors":"Vicki Montoya","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Preventable medication-related harm to adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in outpatient settings remains a global concern because adults with CKD have a higher risk for medication-related harm than the general population. International and national organizations recommend sick day medication guidance for patients with CKD, diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular diseases in the form of withholding or adjusting the dose of certain medications that may potentially contribute to other complications, such as acute kidney injury, hypotension, or hypoglycemia in patient scenarios with an acute dehydrating illness. An updated review of interventional research studies demonstrates that limited research evidence is available to support implementation of sick day medication guidance, with multiple patient and health care provider barriers impeding more widespread and successful use of sick day medication guidance in outpatient settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"331-390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancing Outpatient Dialysis Safety: Integrating Medication Scanning Technology.","authors":"Jennifer Gruss, Zoila Nolasco, Faith Lynch","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with chronic or end stage kidney disease often require multiple medications as part of their treatment regimen. The role of nephrology nurses in medication administration is to follow the five rights of medication administration, ensure all medication-related education is completed, and provide patient safety that enhances the delivery of quality care. By adding a medication and barcode scanning process in our outpatient dialysis units, we are demonstrating a solid commitment to accuracy and engagement in patient safety processes. Just as there is a need in the hospital for safety parameters for medication administration, medication safety strategies need to be implemented in outpatient settings. This approach helps minimize the risk of medication errors and adverse medication errors caused by polypharmacy and drug interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"315-318"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Standard of Care for Chronic Kidney Disease: The Four Pillars of Pharmacotherapy - Implications for Nephrology Nursing Practice.","authors":"Melissa R Laub, Amanda J Condon Martinez","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Management of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has evolved substantially with the emergence of multiple therapies shown to slow progression of kidney disease and reduce cardiovascular risk. The pillars of pharmacotherapy in CKD now include four distinct classes: renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. As pharmacotherapy becomes more complex, nephrology nurses play a critical role in medication management, patient education, laboratory monitoring, adverse effect mitigation, and interdisciplinary care coordination. This review summarizes the mechanisms, guideline recommendations, safety considerations, and nursing practice implications, while also discussing real-world barriers to implementation and medication access challenges. Nephrology nursing engagement is essential to improving safe and effective use of evidence-based therapies in caring for individuals with CKD.</p>","PeriodicalId":54363,"journal":{"name":"Nephrology Nursing Journal","volume":"53 4","pages":"319-390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148972248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}