Kidney Disease and Sars-coV-2 Infection: Challenges and Considerations for Nursing

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected individuals with kidney disease causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sars-coV-2 infection has been linked to the development of acute kidney injury and worsening of underlying kidney function. Multiple challenges were encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in valuable lessons learned for future pandemics, public health emergencies, and disasters related to the care of individuals with kidney disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the extensive need for more nurses to be knowledgeable about the care of kidney disease and able to provide specialized nephrology care.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; COVID-19 infection; Infection control measures; Kidney disease; Kidney transplant; Sars-coV-2 infection; Treatment challenges.