Kidney Disorders: Overview and Management

These flashcards cover key concepts related to kidney disorders including chronic kidney disease, nephrosclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury, dialysis, kidney transplantation, and management strategies.

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

An umbrella term describing kidney damage or a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lasting for 3 or more months.

What are the primary functions of the renal and urinary systems?

To maintain homeostasis by regulating fluid and electrolytes, removing wastes, and providing regulatory functions.

What can untreated chronic kidney disease lead to?

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which requires renal replacement therapy such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.

What are the five stages of chronic kidney disease based on GFR?

Stage 1: GFR > 90; Stage 2: GFR 60-89; Stage 3: GFR 30-59; Stage 4: GFR 15-29; Stage 5: GFR < 15.

What is nephrosclerosis?

Hardening of the arteries that is a major cause of CKD and ESKD, often due to hypertension or diabetes.

What is the primary manifestation of nephrotic syndrome?

Massive proteinuria exceeding 3.5 g/day, along with hypoalbuminemia and diffuse edema.

What is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Prerenal causes, typically due to hypoperfusion of the kidney.

What are the three major categories of AKI?

Prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal.

What is dialysis used for in patients with kidney disease?

To remove wastes and excess fluids from the body when kidneys can no longer function properly.

What is the role of immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation?

To prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney by suppressing the immune response.

What are the signs of transplant rejection?

Oliguria, edema, fever, increasing blood pressure, and swelling or tenderness over the transplanted kidney.

What dietary restrictions are typically given to patients on dialysis?

Restrictions on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein intake.

What complications can arise from hemodialysis?

Hypotension, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramping, arrhythmias, and infection.

What is the function of erythropoietin in kidney disease patients?

To stimulate red blood cell production, primarily affected in chronic kidney disease leading to anemia.

What is the main goal of management for patients with end-stage kidney disease?

To maintain kidney function and homeostasis, and manage symptoms until renal replacement therapy is required.

What are the key factors associated with the development of kidney disorders?

Key factors include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Differentiate between the causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).

CKD is often caused by long-term conditions like diabetes and hypertension, whereas AKI is usually due to sudden factors such as dehydration, medications, or infections.

Explain the pathophysiology of kidney disorders.

Kidney disorders can involve damage to kidney structures, leading to impaired filtration, hormone regulation, and acid-base balance.

What are the clinical manifestations of kidney disorders?

Clinical manifestations may include edema, hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, anemia, and changes in urine output.

What is the medical management for patients with kidney disorders?

Medical management often includes medications, dietary modifications, and dialysis if needed, along with monitoring of kidney function.

What is involved in nursing management for patients with kidney disorders?

Nursing management includes assessment, patient education, fluid management, dietary guidance, and emotional support.

What nursing management strategies are used for chronic kidney disease?

Strategies involve monitoring vital signs, electrolyte levels, fluid restrictions, and educating on dietary changes.

What nursing management is required for patients with acute kidney injury?

Management includes monitoring for complications, assessing fluid balance, and providing appropriate renal replacement therapy.

Compare renal replacement therapies: hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis involves circulating blood through a machine for filtration, while peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal cavity for waste removal.

What are continuous renal replacement therapies?

Continuous renal replacement therapies are slow, continuous filtration methods for critically ill patients with AKI, often used in an intensive care setting.

Describe kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor, requiring careful matching and lifelong immunosuppressive therapy.

What process is involved in organ rejection?

Organ rejection occurs in three phases: hyperacute (immediate), acute (days to months), and chronic (months to years), requiring different interventions.

What interventions are used for hyperacute rejection?

Interventions include immediate removal of the transplanted organ and treatment with immunosuppressive therapies.

What interventions are used for acute rejection?

Acute rejection is often treated with higher doses of immunosuppressive medications.

What interventions are used for chronic rejection?

Chronic rejection may require medication adjustments and, in some cases, kidney re-transplantation.

What is the nursing management of a hospitalized patient on dialysis?

Nursing management includes monitoring for complications, maintaining access site care, and providing education about dialysis processes.