Chronic Kidney Disease: Staging and Diet

By VeriScorePrep Team · 5 min

Chronic kidney disease is progressive loss of nephron function, staged by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Stages

• Stage 1: normal or high GFR (≥90) with kidney damage markers.
• Stage 2: mild decrease (60–89).
• Stage 3: moderate decrease (30–59).
• Stage 4: severe decrease (15–29). Prepare for renal replacement.
• Stage 5: kidney failure (<15). Dialysis or transplant indicated.

Complications

Anemia (low erythropoietin), bone disease (disordered calcium-phosphate-vitamin D), fluid overload, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in CKD.

Dietary teaching

• Limit sodium (≤2 g/day) to manage fluid and blood pressure.
• Limit potassium if hyperkalemic (avoid bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, salt substitutes).
• Limit phosphorus (dairy, nuts, colas).
• Moderate protein; coordinate with dietitian, adjusting for dialysis needs.
• Limit fluids — track daily intake and weight.

Medication watch

Many drugs are nephrotoxic (NSAIDs, some antibiotics, contrast). Confirm orders are renal-dose-adjusted; advocate for the patient when they are not.