Slowing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

The increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) make treatment and management to slow the progression of this condition of essential interest to nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care settings. Early identification and monitoring of patients at risk for CKD can be facilitated by annual testing for albuminuria and serial monitoring of estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine. Diagnostic evaluation used to determine underlying cause, type, and severity of CKD can help to reduce associated cardiovascular complications by preserving cardiac function. Aggressive primary care treatment and management during the early stages of CKD can reduce associated morbidity and mortality and reduce costs associated with end-stage renal disease.