CKD
Why are kidneys important for your body
Kidneys clean the blood by removing waste and help balance fluids and minerals.
What are two important jobs your kidneys do every day to keep your body healthy?
They remove waste from the blood and help control blood pressure.
Why might someone with kidney problems feel very tired or weak?
Waste builds up in the blood and fewer red blood cells are made, causing fatigue.
What are the types of organ donation?
Living and deceased
Why might someone with CKD feel tired or weak?
Waste builds up in the blood and the body may make fewer red blood cells, causing fatigue.
Why do kidneys help control blood pressure?
They release a hormone called renin that helps balance salt and water in the body.
Why might someone with kidney problems have muscle cramps or itchy skin?
Because the kidneys can’t keep the right balance of minerals, which can affect muscles and skin.
What is the goal of transplant?
To improve you quality of life for patients with end stage renal disease
What does CKD stand for, and what happens to the kidneys in this condition?
CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease. It means the kidneys slowly stop working properly over time.
What happens if your kidneys can’t balance fluids and electrolytes properly?
You might have swelling, muscle cramps, or problems with your heart and nerves.
What are some signs that kidney disease is getting worse?
More swelling, very tired feelings, changes in pee, high blood pressure, and muscle cramps
Who is a part of your care team?
RN's, social worker, dietician, nephrologist, pharmacist
What are some changes in urination that could be signs of CKD?
Pee might look foamy, have blood in it, or happen more or less often than usual.
How do kidneys help your bones stay strong?
They make active vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium and phosphate.
Why might someone with kidney disease have trouble breathing or sleeping?
Extra fluid in the lungs and toxins in the blood can make breathing and sleeping harder.
Why do we need to be up to date on our vaccinations before transplant?
After a transplant, medications are used to weaken the immune system so the body doesn’t reject the new organ. This makes it easier to get sick from infections. Vaccines are important because they help the body build protection safely, without having to get the actual infection.
How can someone with CKD take care of their health every day?
Eat a kidney-friendly diet, stay active, take medications, and go to all medical appointments.
What does erythropoietin (EPO) do, and why is it important?
It helps your body make red blood cells. Without it, you can become anemic and feel tired.
True or false: You do not need to reach out to a parent or doctor about any new changes in your current symptoms
False
Where is a new kidney placed during a transplant surgery?
The new kidney is placed in the lower part of the abdomen, near the hip bone, in front of the original kidneys.