MSN Advanced Pathophysiology Case Study: Analyzing Renal Disorders

Course Details

The assignment belongs to the MSN program offered at Chamberlain University College of Nursing. It falls under NR-507: Advanced Pathophysiology and counts as the Week 6 Open Book Quiz Alternative Assessment. Students earn up to 15% of their total grade from this task. They must complete it by the close of Week 6 in the Winter 2026 term.

Assignment Summary

Nurses at the advanced level often encounter complex health issues that demand a deep grasp of underlying processes. The case study focuses on renal disorders to build skills in linking symptoms to physiological changes. Students review a patient scenario and break down the mechanisms involved. Such work has prepared many for better clinical judgments in practice.

Expected Outcomes

• Break down the pathophysiological steps in renal disease progression.
• Connect clinical signs to altered body functions.
• Outline tests and treatments based on evidence.
• Apply concepts to patient care plans.
• Show clear writing in an academic format.

Task Directions

Read the provided case of a 55-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease. Use the template to address key areas. Format the response as a 750-1,000 word document in APA 7th edition, with headings for each section.

1. Explain the disease process from normal function to current state.
2. Identify main symptoms and how they relate to the changes.
3. Suggest diagnostic steps with reasons.
4. Propose management options supported by sources.
5. Consider factors like age or comorbidities in the analysis.

How to Submit

Upload the file to the course dropbox before the deadline. Requests for more time need approval from the instructor. Original content matters, so the system checks for matches. Cite at least four sources properly.

Evaluation Criteria

Grading follows set standards. Points total 100.

• Pathophysiology Explanation (25 points): Covers steps accurately and in depth.
• Symptom Links (20 points): Ties signs to processes logically.
• Diagnostics and Management (25 points): Offers sound, evidence-backed ideas.
• Patient Factors (15 points): Addresses influences on the case.
• APA and Clarity (15 points): Follows style rules with strong writing.

Renal disorders disrupt fluid balance and waste removal in the body. Patients may show swelling due to sodium retention and fatigue from anemia. Data reveals that early intervention slows progression in many cases (Drawz et al., 2020, doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1915833). Care plans often include diet changes to support kidney function.

References

1. Drawz, P.E. et al., 2020. Blood pressure control in chronic kidney disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(5), pp.417-426. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1915833.
2. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Work Group, 2021. KDIGO 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of glomerular diseases. Kidney International, 100(4S), pp.S1-S276. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.021.
3. Webster, A.C. et al., 2019. Chronic kidney disease. The Lancet, 389(10075), pp.1238-1252. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32064-5.
4. Chen, T.K., Knicely, D.H. and Grams, M.E., 2022. Chronic kidney disease diagnosis and management: A review. JAMA, 322(13), pp.1294-1304. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.14745.