Heart Failure and Kidney Injury Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to heart failure, fluid overload, and acute kidney injury as discussed in the lecture.

What is a common symptom of left-sided heart failure?

Backing up of fluid into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema.

What fluid accumulation is associated with right-sided heart failure?

Pedal edema and potentially scrotal edema.

What medication is typically given to manage fluid overload in heart failure patients?

Diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix).

How does fluid accumulation in the lungs affect gas exchange?

It blocks alveoli, impairing oxygen exchange.

What condition might you suspect if a patient has pink frothy sputum?

Pulmonary edema due to decompensated heart failure.

What are the three categories of acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal.

What might cause prerenal acute kidney injury?

Blood loss, sepsis, or vascular occlusion leading to poor kidney perfusion.

What is the significance of high BUN and creatinine levels?

They indicate impaired kidney function and are used to assess kidney health.

What can cause postrenal acute kidney injury?

Obstruction preventing urine outflow, such as stones or prostate issues.

What factors contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Hypertension, diabetes, and glomerulonephritis.

What is the normal range for BNP levels?

Less than 100 picograms per milliliter.

What condition is indicated by elevated levels of BNP?

Heart failure or fluid overload.

What physical exam finding might you document in a patient with fluid overload?

Crackles in the lung bases on auscultation.

Why is it important to monitor urine output in heart failure patients?

It helps assess kidney function and fluid balance.

What does a urinalysis positive for protein or albumin indicate?

Potential structural damage to the kidneys.