Role of Advance Nursing Practice in Pulmonary- Renal Syndrome

Abstract

Pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS), a combination of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis, is a rare case but life-threatening entity with an acute onset. Patient may die if the disease is not recognized and get prompt treatment. Successful approaches depend on the readiness and cooperation of health care team. This article presents roles of Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) during the study in The Board Certified Training Program in Medical-Surgical Nursing in the specialty area of chronic illness  (Nephrology) for caring of a PRS patient with rapidly and progressively diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and glomerulonephritis. The patient and families had to confront with critical conditions resulting from lung and kidney damages that eventually required long term renal replacement therapy. This experience reflects role of APN in assisting the patient and family to overcome their crisis and adapt with the disease.