Nursing care in the emotional management of hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy technique. Patients receiving this treatment have three sessions per week (average) for four hours. This arouses negative feelings in these patients, affecting their life quality. Case presentation: A female subject, aged 55, with chronic kidney failure, secondary to diabetic glomerular disease, states that her life has changed negatively since hemodialysis was prescribed. Is clear that the patient is experiencing social isolation due to a change in her body image and low self-esteem, as well as skin damage caused by itching and dry skin. A care plan is prepared and implemented following the NANDA, NOC and NIC standards. Results are evaluated after the application of the proposed interventions. In this case, the importance of the participation of patients in the same situation in a support group is highlighted. Nursing interventions to manage hemodialysis patient emotions are effective. They are based on the most current scientific evidence. Sometimes, nurses only focus on the physical problem and the best way of handling it, but it is essential to consider the emotional aspects of patients as well and to teach them, as shown in this case, to manage these emotions in order to improve their wellness and life quality.