Cognitive function in dialysis patients. Case study of the anemic patient.

Impaired cognitive function, a common morbidity associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), can hinder a patient's ability to work with the dialysis team and live well. A combination of adequate dialysis and correction of anemia with Epoetin alfa can mitigate the neurobehavioral syndrome associated with ESRD and lead to improved cognition. In the presence of suspected cognitive impairment, nursing management should emphasize techniques that provide individualized, innovative, and ongoing reinforcement of treatment goals and outcomes to improve patients' overall quality of life.