The basis of care in managing a patient with chronic renal failure is to:

a. Assist the diseased kidneys to maintain homeostasis for as long as possible.

b. Prepare the patient for dialysis/transplant when conservative, symptomatic treatment is no longer effective.

(1) When the patient can no longer manage a normal lifestyle with conservative treatment, dialysis is indicated.

(2) When end-stage renal failure occurs and the patient is facing imminent death, kidney transplant is indicated.