Certified Nephrology Nurse Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Elevated blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often a manifestation of fluid overload, which can occur when the kidneys are unable to process and excrete excess fluid effectively. In CKD, as kidney function declines, the normal mechanisms that regulate blood volume and pressure become impaired. This leads to a retention of sodium and water, resulting in increased extracellular fluid volume, which consequently raises blood pressure.

Fluid overload can also contribute to other complications, such as heart failure or pulmonary edema, indicating that hypertension is frequently linked to the body's attempt to cope with an excess load rather than an improvement in kidney function. Therefore, recognizing elevated blood pressure as a sign of fluid overload is crucial in managing patients with CKD, as it guides interventions including dietary modifications, diuretics, and potentially adjustments in antihypertensive medications to control both fluid status and blood pressure.