Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

During which stage of CKD is the primary aim to manage complications?

1. Stage 3

2. Stage 4

3. Stage 1

4. Stage 2

The correct answer is: Stage 4

In the context of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Stage 4 is a critical phase where the kidneys have significantly deteriorated, usually with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 29 mL/min. At this stage, the primary aim focuses on managing complications that arise due to decreased kidney function. These complications can include hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, anemia, and bone disease. This stage is particularly important because it often serves as a preparatory period for renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation. Management strategies are essential to address these complications in order to help maintain the patient's quality of life and prolong kidney function. Monitoring and therapeutic interventions become more intensive during this stage to combat the negative effects of the disease and prevent further decline in kidney function. In earlier stages of CKD, such as Stage 1 and Stage 2, the focus is often on slowing progression and managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, while Stage 3 typically marks a transition where complications start to arise but not as acutely as in Stage 4. Thus, Stage 4 stands out as the stage where managing complications becomes the primary concern.