Introduction

This book offers a practical approach to guide nurses in the art and science of renal care. It is holistic as well as technical, therapeutic and compassionate in its approach. Acute and chronic renal failure, renal osteodystrophy, and other selected diseases are comprehensively discussed.

Nursing Roles and Treatments

The nurse's role with regard to specific treatments such as peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis, plasma exchange, and haemoperfusion as well as organ transplantation procedures are discussed in detail. A section relating specifically to paediatric care is included.

Complementary Therapies

The final section of the book is devoted to the use of complementary therapies and alternative medicine in renal disease.

Purpose and Audience

The book lays the foundation on which nurses can build their evidence-based practice and knowledge, skills, and enhance patient care. The aim of this book is to provide a practical holistic guide for nurses to the skills and knowledge required by them to care for their patients. It covers the renal patients' experiences both physically and psychologically, incorporating the dialysis therapies of acute and chronic failure and renal transplantation.

Challenges in Renal Nursing

Nursing renal patients within an acute hospital setting, chronic dialysis unit, or satellite unit places many challenges on the nurse caring for them today. I therefore hope that this book will provide the knowledge needed by those working in the field of renal nursing and that it will be used as a resource in renal units throughout the UK.

Foreword by Avril Redmond, Chair of RCN Nephrology Nurses Forum