Betty's story Betty is a 70-year- old woman married to Alan, also 79. Betty and Alan have a close family network; their daughter Cheryl, has two young boys and they see each other regularly.
Two years ago Betty was diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) following routine tests organised by her GP. Betty has multiple co-morbidities including: Type 2 Diabetes, IHD, PVD, HT and a STEMI 2 years ago. Her kidney disease has been fairly stable since diagnosis.
Betty has been well managed by her GP in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team at the kidney clinic. The renal dietician has been providing nutritional information and support to Betty and Alan, advising them on the impact of certain foods on her renal function. For the past month or so, Betty has been experiencing new symptoms. She is lethargic, slightly short of breath, nauseated at times and her legs are oedematous. Betty is concerned about these new symptoms and is seeing her team at the Kidney clinic tomorrow to discuss this.
Reflection Questions
What are Betty's main concerns now that her disease has progressed?
From the perspective of the nursing discipline, what role can you have in Betty's care now as her illness has progressed to the end of life care stage?
Based on your learning from this activity, what specific strategies do you plan to incorporate as a graduate health care professional?