Optimal Management Plan for Postoperative Right Femoral Neck Fracture with CKD5 and Multiple Comorbidities
Glycemic Management in CKD5
Continue current insulin regimen with close monitoring and dose adjustments based on actual glucose readings, targeting HbA1c <7.5-8.0% given CKD5, advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and hypoglycemia risk. 1
- Target HbA1c of 7.5-8.0% is appropriate for this patient with CKD5, multiple comorbidities, limited life expectancy, and high hypoglycemia risk, rather than the standard <7.0% target 1
- The risk of hypoglycemia increases 5-fold in patients with significant creatinine elevations (mean 2.2 mg/dL), and this patient's creatinine of 4.20-4.83 mg/dL places them at substantial risk 1
- Continue Novolog sliding scale before meals and bedtime, but coordinate timing with actual meal intake and adjust doses when intake is incomplete to prevent hypoglycemia 2
- Continue insulin glargine at current dose, but monitor closely for hypoglycemia as approximately one-third of insulin degradation occurs in the kidneys, and impaired renal function prolongs insulin half-life 1
- Reduce insulin doses by 10-20% immediately if any hypoglycemic episodes occur (glucose <70 mg/dL) 1, 2
- HbA1c may underestimate glycemic control in CKD5 due to shortened red cell lifespan and anemia (current Hgb 7.4-7.8), so rely more heavily on point-of-care glucose monitoring 3
Postoperative Orthopedic Management
Continue current rehabilitation protocol with aspirin for DVT prophylaxis and PRN tramadol for pain, maintaining strict hip precautions.
- Continue PT/OT for gait training, strengthening, and ADL training with progressive weight-bearing as tolerated 4
- Continue aspirin for DVT prophylaxis as recommended for secondary prevention in patients with established cardiovascular disease 1
- Continue PRN tramadol for pain control, emphasizing non-pharmacologic adjuncts (ice, positioning, scheduled rest periods) to minimize opioid requirements 2
- Monitor surgical site daily for signs of infection, dehiscence, or hematoma formation
- Maintain hip precautions (no hip flexion >90 degrees, no adduction past midline, no internal rotation) for minimum 6-12 weeks postoperatively
CKD5 and Metabolic Management
Maintain nephrology-directed PRN furosemide approach, continue phosphate binders and sodium bicarbonate, and monitor electrolytes weekly.
- Furosemide 20 mg PO every 48 hours PRN only for edema, not scheduled dosing, to avoid electrolyte imbalance, hypotension, and accelerated renal decline in CKD5 1
- Continue sevelamer for phosphorus control (current phosphorus 5.1-5.7 mg/dL, above target) 1
- Continue sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis (CO₂ 16-19 mEq/L) 1
- Weekly monitoring of CBC, CMP, magnesium, and phosphorus per active orders 1
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications including NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, and contrast agents 1
- Maintain renal diet with sodium restriction <2000 mg/day and protein intake 0.8 g/kg/day 1
Blood Pressure Management
Continue current antihypertensive regimen with amlodipine and labetalol, using PRN clonidine for SBP >165 mmHg, targeting BP <130/80 mmHg.
- Target BP <130/80 mmHg for patients with diabetes and CKD stages 1-4, though this patient's CKD5 status requires careful monitoring to avoid hypotension 1
- Recent BP readings (122-146/56-88 mmHg) are generally at target, though some systolic readings exceed 130 mmHg 1
- Continue amlodipine and labetalol at current doses 1
- Use PRN clonidine only when SBP >165 mmHg to avoid rapid BP drops that could compromise renal perfusion 1
- Monitor for orthostatic hypotension given advanced CKD, anemia, and postoperative status
Anemia Management in CKD5
Continue IV iron if within planned course; transfuse only if symptomatic or Hgb drops significantly below current baseline of 7.4-7.8 g/dL.
- Current Hgb 7.4-7.8 g/dL represents chronic anemia of CKD, stable compared to recent baseline 1
- Patient declines ESA therapy, which is an acceptable patient preference 1
- Continue IV iron if still within planned treatment course to support erythropoiesis 1
- Transfuse only if symptomatic (dyspnea, chest pain, severe fatigue limiting rehabilitation) or if Hgb drops significantly below 7.0 g/dL 1
- Monitor for signs of symptomatic anemia that could impair postoperative recovery and rehabilitation participation
Bone Health and Fracture Prevention
Ensure adequate vitamin D repletion and calcium balance while managing CKD-MBD, with nephrology guidance on bone-specific therapies.
- Patients with CKD5 and diabetes have the highest risk of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and reduced BMD 5
- Correct vitamin D deficiency if present, as 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels correlate positively with BMD Z scores in CKD patients 5
- Femoral neck BMD is inversely related to prevalent fracture risk in CKD patients 5
- Defer osteoporosis-specific medications (bisphosphonates, denosumab) in CKD5 until nephrology consultation, as these require careful consideration of bone turnover status and calcium-phosphate balance 6
- Off-label use of osteoporosis drugs in CKD stages 4-5 requires selective approach based on individual bone turnover markers 6
Wound Care
Continue current silver alginate with Aquacel foam dressing protocol for right forearm skin tear.
- Current wound management is appropriate with no signs of infection (no erythema or drainage)
- Continue scheduled dressing changes per protocol
- Monitor for delayed healing given diabetes, CKD5, anemia, and advanced age
Monitoring and Follow-up
Implement intensive monitoring protocol given multiple high-risk conditions and postoperative status.
- Daily weights to monitor fluid status and guide PRN diuretic use 1
- Blood glucose monitoring before meals, at bedtime, and PRN for symptoms; adjust insulin based on patterns rather than single values 1, 2
- Weekly labs: CBC, CMP, magnesium, phosphorus per active orders 1
- Twice-yearly HbA1c once stable, quarterly if therapy changes or goals not met 1
- BP monitoring at each nursing encounter; hold antihypertensives if SBP <100 mmHg 1
- Daily assessment of edema, respiratory status, and postoperative hip status
- Reschedule renal artery ultrasound with proper NPO preparation 1
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never convert furosemide to scheduled dosing in CKD5 without nephrology approval, as this risks severe electrolyte derangements, hypotension, and accelerated renal decline 1
- Do not target HbA1c <7.0% in this patient with CKD5, multiple comorbidities, and high hypoglycemia risk; less stringent targets (7.5-8.0%) are appropriate 1
- Avoid assuming HbA1c accurately reflects glycemic control in CKD5 with anemia (Hgb 7.4-7.8), as shortened RBC lifespan causes underestimation 3
- Do not reduce insulin doses preemptively without documented hypoglycemia, but be prepared to reduce by 10-20% immediately if hypoglycemia occurs 1, 2
- Never initiate NSAIDs for postoperative pain given CKD5; continue tramadol and non-pharmacologic measures 1
- Avoid rapid BP reduction that could compromise already-impaired renal perfusion 1
- Do not initiate bisphosphonates or denosumab without nephrology consultation in CKD5, as these require assessment of bone turnover status 6