Discharge Instructions for Chronic Kidney Disease
Discharge Instructions for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease can (CKD) happen because of many things. These include infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, circulation problems, and reactions to medicine. Having kidney disease means making many changes in your life. Learn as much as you can about it so that you can better adjust to these changes. It is important to remember that the main goal of treatment is to stop CKD from progressing to complete kidney failure. Treatments may vary based on the progression of CKD. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how to manage your condition.
Here are some things you can do to help your condition.
Diet changes
Always discuss your diet with your healthcare provider before making any changes.
Salt (sodium) in your diet
Based on your condition, you may be told to eat 1,500 mg or less of sodium daily
Limit processed foods such as:
Frozen dinners and packaged meals
Canned fish and meats
Pickled foods
Salted snacks
Lunch meats
Sauces
Most cheeses
Fast foods
Don't add salt to your food while cooking or before eating at the table.
Eat unprocessed foods to lower the sodium, such as:
Fresh turkey and chicken
Lean beef
Unsalted tuna
Fresh fish
Fresh vegetables and fruits
Season foods with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, citrus, flavored vinegar, and sodium-free spice blends instead of salt when cooking.
Don't use salt substitutes that are high in potassium. Ask your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian which salt substitutes to use.
Don't drink softened water, because of the sodium content. Make sure to read the label on bottled water for sodium content.
Don't take over-the-counter medicines that contain sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate. Read labels carefully.
Potassium in your diet
Based on your condition, you may be told to eat less than 1,500 mg to 2,700 mg of potassium daily.
Always drain canned foods such as vegetables, fruits, and meats before serving.
Don't eat whole-grain breads, wheat bran, and granolas.
Don't eat milk, buttermilk, and yogurt.
Don't eat nuts, seeds, peanut butter, dried beans, and peas.
Don't eat fig cookies, chocolate, and molasses.
Don't use salt substitutes that are high in potassium. Ask your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian which salt substitutes to use.
Protein in your diet
Based on your condition, your healthcare provider will talk with you about why you should limit protein in your diet.
Cut back on protein. Eat less meat, milk products, yogurt, eggs, and cheese.
Phosphorus in your diet
Don't drink beer, cocoa, dark colas, ale, chocolate drinks, and canned ice teas.
Don't eat cheese, milk, ice cream, pudding, and yogurt.
Don't eat liver (beef, chicken), organ meats, oysters, crayfish, and sardines.
Don't eat beans (soy, kidney, black, garbanzo, and northern), peas (chick and split), bran cereals, nuts, and caramels.
Eat small meals often that are high in fiber and calories. You may be told to limit how much fluid you drink.
Other home care
Try not to wear yourself out or get overly fatigued.
Get plenty of rest and get more sleep at night.
Move around and bend your legs to avoid getting blood clots when you rest for a long period of time.
Weigh yourself every day. Do this at the same time of day and in the same kind of clothes. Keep a record of your daily weights.
Take your medicines exactly as directed.
Keep all medical appointments.
Take steps to control high blood pressure or diabetes. Talk with your healthcare provider for advice.
Talk with your healthcare provider about dialysis. This procedure may help if your chronic kidney disease is progressing to end stage renal disease.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Chest pain (call 911)
Trouble eating or drinking
Weight loss of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours or more than 5 pounds in 7 days
Little or no urine output
Trouble breathing
Muscle aches
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your healthcare provider
Blood in your urine or stool
Bloody discharge from your nose, mouth, or ears
Severe headache or a seizure
Vomiting
Swelling of legs or ankles
Updated:  
September 03, 2017
Sources:  
Up To Date. Protein restriction and progression of chronic kidney disease
Reviewed By:  
Latif, Walead, DO,Walton-Ziegler, Olivia, MS, PA-C