Renal Case Assignment

Renal Case Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to evaluate pathophysiologic data and diagnostic findings and treatment plans for a renal diagnosis. Assessment findings and diagnostic data (e.g., lab values and test results) provide evidence of the clinical manifestations of disease. Identifying findings of disease are a key application of knowledge of pathophysiology. Connecting those findings with treatments including pharmacologic interventions connects the knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and the development of holistic and effective treatment plans.

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Using the attached assignment worksheet:

  1. Respond to each question in your own words.
  2. Provide a rationale for your responses.
  3. Write responses in complete sentences. Bulleted responses are appropriate when included in tables only.
  4. Upload written work to this assignment page.

Note: Your assignments will be run through TurnItIn Plagiarism review. Submitted work is expected to be independently produced and original. If you are included quoted materials from outside resources, please provide references. All references submitted must comply to APA format.

Renal Case Assignment

The following assignment includes 4 parts. The parts are described with individual instructions following the case scenario. Read through the entire case scenario and utilize the client information to answer the questions in each part. Label your written responses as Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. Make sure to answer all questions included in each part. Provide responses in full sentences and provide rationales for your responses.

Case Scenario

Patient Profile:

Name: Aisha Patel

Age: 65

Gender: Female

Chief Complaint: “My legs are swelling, and I’m always tired.”

History of Present Illness:

  • Aisha presents to the clinic reporting worsening fatigue, swelling in her legs, and occasional shortness of breath over the past several months. She notes her blood pressure has been difficult to control despite medication.

Medical History:

  • Hypertension (15 years, poorly controlled)
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (10 years, A1c 8.2%)
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

Renal Case Assignment

Family History:

  • Father: End-stage renal disease (ESRD), deceased at age 72.
  • Mother: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Social History:

  • Retired teacher.
  • Diet high in processed foods.
  • No tobacco or alcohol use.

Vital Signs:

  • Blood Pressure: 165/95 mmHg
  • Heart Rate: 78 bpm
  • Respiratory Rate: 18 breaths/min
  • Temperature: 36.7°C (98°F)
  • SpO₂: 96% on room air

Physical Examination:

  • General: Alert, obese, appears fatigued.
  • Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, 2+ bilateral pitting edema in lower extremities.
  • Respiratory: Clear to auscultation bilaterally.
  • Abdomen: Soft, mild tenderness in the left flank.
  • Skin: Dry, with mild pallor.

Renal Case Assignment

Initial Labs:

  • BUN: 36 mg/dL (elevated)
  • Creatinine: 2.3 mg/dL (baseline: 1.8 mg/dL)
  • eGFR: 28 mL/min/1.73m² (stage 4 CKD)
  • Potassium: 5.6 mmol/L (elevated)
  • Sodium: 137 mmol/L (normal)
  • Hemoglobin: 9.2 g/dL (low)
  • Albumin: 3.4 g/dL (low-normal)
  • Urinalysis: Proteinuria, no blood, no glucose.

Other Findings:

  • A1c: 8.2% (elevated)
  • Blood pressure log: Average 160/92 mmHg over the last month.

Assignment Instructions

Part 1: Identifying the Diagnosis

  • Based on the clinical presentation, history, and lab findings, identify the most likely diagnosis.
  • Provide a rationale for your diagnosis, citing specific assessment data and lab values.

Part 2: Determining the Cause of the Diagnosis

  • What are the most likely contributing factors to Aisha’s diagnosis?
  • Explain how her medical history, family history, and lifestyle have contributed to the progression of her condition.

Part 3: Evaluating Diagnostic Findings

  • Review the provided labs and assessment data.
  • Discuss the significance of the following findings in the context of her identified diagnosis:

o   Decreased eGFR.

o   Presence of proteinuria.

o   Elevated potassium levels.

o   Anemia (low hemoglobin).

  • Identify other diagnostic tests or assessments that could provide additional information about her condition (e.g., what other tests would support your diagnosis).

Renal Case Assignment

Part 4: Developing a Plan of Care

  • Develop a comprehensive plan of care for Aisha, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
  • Address the following in your care plan:

o   Medications to manage blood pressure, slow the progression of the diagnosis you have identified, and address symptoms (e.g., anemia, hyperkalemia).

o   Dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce disease progression (e.g., sodium and potassium restriction, weight management).

o   Patient education about monitoring symptoms, medication adherence, and preventing complications.

o   Rationale for each intervention.

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