What are the components of the urinary system?
The kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
What is the main function of the kidneys?
To produce urine.
What is renal perfusion?
Blood flow to the kidneys.
What can reduce renal perfusion?
Blockage of the renal artery, decreased blood volume, heart failure.
What does the term 'renal' refer to?
It refers to the kidneys.
What is glomerular filtration?
The first step in urine formation where blood is filtered in the kidneys.
What does oliguria mean?
Low urine output.
What is the significance of blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
It is a waste product from protein metabolism and can indicate kidney function.
What is creatinine?
A waste product produced by muscles, filtered by the kidneys, indicating kidney function.
How is acute kidney injury (AKI) defined?
An abrupt or rapid decline in renal filtration function.
What causes prerenal AKI?
Reduced renal perfusion due to factors like heart failure or severe dehydration.
What causes intrarenal AKI?
Direct injury to the kidneys, such as from nephrotoxic drugs or trauma.
What causes postrenal AKI?
Obstruction preventing urine outflow, such as stones or tumors.
What are the indicators of declining renal function?
Increased BUN and creatinine, decreased GFR.
What condition is characterized by the kidneys producing urine but being unable to drain it?
Hydronephrosis.
What does a decrease in GFR indicate?
A decline in renal function.
What happens to urine output as renal function declines?
Urine output typically decreases.
What is azotemia?
An increase in nitrogen levels in the blood, often indicated by elevated BUN.
What can elevated BUN levels indicate?
Potential kidney dysfunction or a high protein diet.
What does an increase in creatinine levels indicate?
Declining renal function due to insufficient excretion by the kidneys.