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Goal: To provide an overview of a valid and reliable instrument used to measure stressors of patients with chronic kidney disease, identify those stressors, and determine which coping strategies were used and effective in the study.

Objectives:

Define psychological stress.
Discuss two instruments used to measure stress and coping of patients with chronic kidney disease.
Explain effective coping strategies used by patients with chronic kidney disease.

Note: This study was funded by the ANNA 2005 Research Grant.

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to acknowledge Kerri Gallo, RN, and Lindsay Daniel, nursing student, for their assistance with the data collection; and Joanne Clark, for her assistance with the manuscript.

Statements of Disclosure: The authors reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Heather Locking-Cusolito MScN, RN, CNeph&copy;

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Heather Locking-Cusolito MScN, RN, CNeph©