Acute Kidney Injury Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Acute Kidney Injury and its various forms, complications, and management strategies.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or days.

Azotemia

Build up of nitrogenous waste products in the blood.

Uremia

An excess of urea and other nitrogenous wastes in the blood.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The amount of plasma filtered through the glomeruli per unit of time.

Prerenal AKI

AKI caused by impaired perfusion; factors include cardiac failure, blood loss, dehydration.

Intrarenal AKI

AKI due to damage within the kidneys; most commonly caused by Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN).

Post-Renal AKI

AKI caused by obstruction of urine outflow from the kidney.

Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN)

The most common cause of intrarenal AKI, resulting from toxic or ischemic injury.

Hemodialysis

A type of dialysis that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Results from increased glomerular permeability leading to massive protein loss.

Nephritic Syndrome

Results from inflammation of the glomeruli, leading to reduced glomerular filtration and blood in urine.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function lasting 3 months or longer.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Conditions like hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperkalemia that can occur with kidney dysfunction.

Chvostek’s Sign

A twitching of facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped, indicating potential electrolyte imbalance.

Trousseau’s Sign

A carpopedal spasm triggered by inflating a blood pressure cuff, also signaling electrolyte imbalance.