Rehabil Nurs
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Patients with chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease frequently suffer medical setbacks that necessitate a course of rehabilitation. Planning care for these patients requires special consideration if they are to attain a level of function close to what they enjoyed prior to the event that required them to be hospitalized. In this article, the author describes chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease, types of dialysis and types of access, assessment upon admission to rehabilitation, and nursing care for patients with chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease in a rehabilitation facility. This information can help nurses learn about what to look for and what questions to ask, common medications and laboratory values, dietary management, and the creation of a successful rehabilitation experience.
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Research demonstrates that many nurses lack knowledge about pain assessment, the differences between acute and chronic pain, and the use of pain rating scales. In this article, the authors describe an instrument for evaluating chronic pain, the purpose of which is to assess systematically the various dimensions of chronic pain and its impact on quality of life. ⋯ Using this tool can provide an accurate multidimensional assessment of clients' chronic pain experiences. The article also discusses recommendations for other applications of the tool.
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Chronic pain is a major health problem in the United States. People with chronic pain syndrome are a subgroup of patients with chronic pain who experience high levels of pain, functional impairment, and depression. Because chronic pain syndrome is a complex multidimensional health problem, nurses must use their expert knowledge and skills in pain management and in rehabilitation nursing to help patients improve their health status and quality of life. This article discusses the nursing assessment and management of chronic pain syndrome as well as an assessment tool that the author has helped develop.
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Certification empowers nurses by validating their clinical competency and continued professional growth. This article discusses the current state of certification in the nursing profession. ⋯ The article also describes how the nursing department of a 284-bed rehabilitation hospital developed a program to promote specialty certification among its nursing staff. The process and outcome of this program revealed several potential research topics.