Follow-Up Recommendations for Case Management Team
The case management team should prioritize immediate wheelchair replacement with proper safety features, comprehensive medication reconciliation with dose adjustments for dialysis-dependent medications (particularly gabapentin), and establishment of a coordinated multidisciplinary care plan addressing fall prevention, dialysis access preservation, and optimization of heart failure management. 1, 2
Immediate Safety and Mobility Interventions
Wheelchair Replacement (Urgent Priority)
- Obtain a new wheelchair immediately with functional brakes and appropriate footrest to prevent further falls and injuries, given the patient's history of falls, amputation, and recent trauma from inadequate wheelchair safety features 1
- Ensure the wheelchair accommodates the prosthetic left leg and provides adequate support for the right knee injury
- Consider physical therapy evaluation for proper wheelchair fitting and training on safe propulsion techniques with one leg
Fall Risk Mitigation
- Implement comprehensive fall prevention strategies given multiple risk factors: history of falls, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, phantom limb syndrome, and recent right knee sprain 1
- Evaluate home environment for safety modifications and remove trip hazards
- Assess need for home health aide assistance given documented need for help with personal care and difficulty walking
Critical Medication Management
Medication Reconciliation (High Priority)
- Conduct immediate comprehensive medication reconciliation, as medication-related problems are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients 1
- Gabapentin requires urgent dose adjustment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and dialysis status - current dosing is likely inappropriate and may contribute to fall risk, altered mental status, or other adverse effects 2
- Review all renally-cleared medications and adjust doses according to dialysis schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) 1, 2
Specific Medication Concerns
- Verify appropriate dosing of carvedilol for heart failure in the context of ESRD, as beta-blockers have demonstrated cardioprotective effects in dialysis patients 3
- Ensure atorvastatin continuation for hyperlipidemia management, though note that statin benefits may be attenuated in ESRD patients 1, 4
- Confirm pantoprazole requires no dose adjustment for renal function 2
- Avoid NSAIDs entirely - they can worsen kidney function, interfere with sodium excretion, and double hospitalization rates in heart failure patients 5, 3
Cardiorenal Syndrome Management
Heart Failure Optimization
- Coordinate with nephrology and cardiology for integrated cardiorenal syndrome management, as this patient has both heart failure and ESRD - conditions that create a vicious cycle where each exacerbates the other 5, 3, 6
- Ensure adequate volume control through dialysis prescription optimization, as volume management is critical for blood pressure control and heart failure outcomes in dialysis patients 5, 7
- Monitor for signs of fluid overload between dialysis sessions given heart failure diagnosis 5
Blood Pressure Management
- Current blood pressure (120/76) is acceptable, but continue monitoring as blood pressure control in dialysis patients improves mortality 7
- Volume control through adequate dialysis and sodium restriction should be primary strategies rather than adding antihypertensive medications 5, 7
Dialysis-Specific Coordination
Vascular Access Preservation
- Protect peripheral veins in both arms - avoid unnecessary venipunctures, blood draws, or IV placements in anticipation of future vascular access needs 7
- Coordinate all blood work with dialysis sessions when possible
- Educate all healthcare providers about the critical importance of vein preservation
Dialysis Adherence Support
- Ensure reliable transportation to dialysis three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Coordinate medical appointments around dialysis schedule to reduce burden
- Monitor for signs of missed dialysis sessions or inadequate dialysis (volume overload, hyperkalemia, uremic symptoms)
Diabetes and Wound Care Management
Diabetic Complications Monitoring
- Closely monitor the right knee sprain for healing complications given diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and ESRD - this population has significantly impaired wound healing 1, 6
- Ensure regular foot examinations and prosthetic fit checks, as the patient has already lost one leg to diabetic complications
- Insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in ESRD patients requiring medication - verify current diabetes management with tradjenta (linagliptin) is appropriate 7
Peripheral Vascular Disease Considerations
- Continue clopidogrel for peripheral arterial disease as single antiplatelet therapy is recommended for non-high-risk PAD presentations 1
- Monitor for signs of worsening peripheral vascular disease, particularly in the remaining leg
- Avoid situations that could compromise perfusion to extremities
Nutritional and Metabolic Monitoring
Protein-Energy Wasting Surveillance
- Monitor for signs of protein-energy wasting and malnutrition, which are common and serious complications in ESRD patients 7
- Coordinate with renal dietitian for appropriate protein, phosphorus, and potassium intake
- Continue sevelamer for phosphorus control as prescribed
Anemia Management
- Verify current anemia treatment plan, as anemia affects one-third to half of heart failure patients and is associated with worsening cardiac and renal status 3
- Anemia in this patient may be multifactorial (ESRD, heart failure, chronic disease) and requires aggressive management 3
Preventive Care Modifications
Vaccination Status
- Ensure current on influenza, tetanus, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal vaccines as recommended for ESRD patients 7
- Verify COVID-19 vaccination status is up-to-date given history of COVID-19 infection
Cancer Screening
- Routine cancer screening is discouraged in dialysis patients not receiving kidney transplantation, though continue monitoring the known colon polyp and hemorrhoids 7
Care Coordination Structure
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
- Establish regular communication between nephrology, cardiology, primary care, and case management
- Schedule coordinated clinic visits when feasible to reduce patient burden
- Ensure all providers have access to current medication list and dialysis schedule 1
Follow-Up Intensity
- More frequent follow-up is warranted given ESRD, heart failure, diabetes, and recent injury - these high-risk conditions require closer monitoring than standard care 1
- Consider home health nursing for medication management, wound monitoring, and vital sign checks between dialysis sessions
- Establish clear parameters for when patient should seek urgent care (signs of infection, worsening heart failure, missed dialysis)
Psychosocial Support
Quality of Life Optimization
- Address phantom limb pain management with current gabapentin (once appropriately dose-adjusted for ESRD) 2
- Assess for depression and social isolation, which are common in dialysis patients with multiple comorbidities
- Connect with social work for assistance with medical equipment, transportation, and potential financial concerns
- Ensure patient has adequate support system given complex care needs and dependence on others for personal care