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...

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 Activity  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?