Paula S. Pond, APRN

Nephrologist Renal Practitioner

Ms. Paula S. Pond is a Nephrologist Renal Practitioner in Wichita, KS with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidney. As a Nephrologist Renal Practitioner, Paula S. Pond, APRN performs kidney maintenance and treatment of kidney dysfunctions. Nephrology / Renal Medicine is a specialty of medicine and pediatrics that studies, diagnoses, and treats kidney dysfunction while preserving optimal kidney health. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Nephrologist / Renal Doctors include acid-base disturbances, glomerular diseases (such as glomerulonephritis or the nephrotic syndrome), tubulointerstitial kidney diseases, tubular defects, vasculitis, autoimmune disease, and the effects of toxins on the kidney. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Nephrologist / Renal Doctors include managing hypertension, managing fluids, electrolyte therapy, renal replacement therapy, dialysis, kidney transplantation, plasma exchange, and immunosuppression. Commonly used agents are prednisone, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, everolimus, thymoglobulin and sirolimus. Newer, so-called biologic drugs or monoclonal antibodies.

An internist who treats disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance and dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function. This specialist consults with surgeons about kidney transplantation.

Nurse Practitioner

A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision making and direct accountability for clinical judgment across the health care continuum or in a certified specialty. (2) A registered nurse who has completed additional training beyond basic nursing education and who provides primary health care services in accordance with state nurse practice laws or statutes. Tasks performed by nurse practitioners vary with practice requirements mandated by geographic, political, economic, and social factors. Nurse practitioner specialists include, but are not limited to, family nurse practitioners, gerontological nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, obstetric-gynecologic nurse practitioners, and school nurse practitioners.