Advancing chronic kidney disease care: new imperatives for recognition and intervention.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 6.2 million people in the U.S. and most commonly results from diabetes and/or hypertension. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of anemia and hypertension. Anemia occurs early in CKD and can be effectively treated with epoetin alfa. Hypertension can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medications. Nurses play a vital role in managing these patients by providing early CKD/anemia screening and intervention, education, patient monitoring, and support for patients and caregivers.