Patient Education and Psychosocial Care Flashcards

Which dietary restriction is MOST critical for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis to prevent life-threatening complications?

Answer: Restricting potassium and phosphorus intake

Potassium restriction prevents fatal hyperkalemia, and phosphorus restriction prevents secondary hyperparathyroidism, vascular calcification, and bone disease in ESRD patients.

What is the recommended fluid intake guideline for a hemodialysis patient with minimal residual urine output?

Answer: Limit to 1000–1500 mL/day

Hemodialysis patients with minimal urine output should generally restrict fluid intake to approximately 1000–1500 mL per day to prevent excessive interdialytic weight gain.

When educating a dialysis patient about phosphorus restriction, which food group should be emphasized most strongly?

Answer: Processed foods, dairy, and dark colas containing phosphate additives

Processed foods contain phosphate additives that are nearly 100% absorbed, making them the highest-risk category for hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients.

A dialysis patient reports feeling hopeless and states 'I don't see the point in continuing treatment.' What is the nurse's priority action?

Answer: Conduct a suicide risk assessment and notify the physician and social worker

Statements of hopelessness in dialysis patients require immediate suicide risk assessment, as this population has significantly elevated rates of depression and suicidal ideation.

Which teaching method is most effective for dialysis patients with low health literacy?

Answer: Using teach-back method with simple language and visual aids

The teach-back method — asking patients to repeat information in their own words — combined with simple language and visuals is the most effective approach for low health literacy populations.

What is the role of the dialysis social worker in the care of ESRD patients?

Answer: Provide psychosocial assessment, counseling, and help with financial/transportation barriers

The dialysis social worker addresses psychosocial needs, depression screening, financial assistance programs (Medicare/Medicaid), insurance issues, and transportation barriers to treatment.