What is a common assessment finding in patients with chronic kidney disease?

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is common to observe a combination of weight gain, hypertension, and edema due to the gradual decline in kidney function. As the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products effectively, there is a buildup of fluids and electrolytes in the body, which contributes to these assessment findings.

Weight gain in the context of CKD often results from fluid retention, as the kidneys are unable to excrete excess fluid properly. This is commonly seen in later stages of the disease, where dietary restrictions might not be sufficiently adhered to, leading to increased sodium intake and subsequent fluid retention.

Hypertension is frequently associated with CKD due to several mechanisms, including increased blood volume from fluid retention and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which can raise blood pressure. Effective blood pressure management is essential to slow the progression of kidney disease and to prevent complications.

Edema, or swelling, occurs as a result of fluid overload when the kidneys fail to remove excess fluids from the bloodstream. It can present in various forms, including peripheral edema (swelling of the limbs) and pulmonary edema, which can lead to further respiratory issues.

Considering that all three findings can be interconnected and are often present in patients