Assessment of the Renal/Urinary System

Flashcards derived from the lecture notes covering key terms and concepts related to the renal and urinary system.

Kidney

The organ responsible for filtering blood, producing urine, and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, involved in urine formation through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The rate at which blood is filtered in the kidneys, averaging 125 mL/min in healthy adults.

Renin

An enzyme produced by the juxtaglomerular complex that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and dysfunction.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A progressive condition where the kidneys lose function over time, often leading to kidney failure.

Urinalysis

A test that examines the physical and chemical properties of urine, useful for diagnosing kidney and urinary tract disorders.

Hemodialysis

A process that uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function.

Diuresis

Increased or excessive production of urine.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden decrease in kidney function, often reversible, that leads to the accumulation of waste in the blood.

Uremia

A condition involving high levels of nitrogenous waste in the blood due to inadequate kidney function.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder, often due to infection.

Urinary Incontinence

The involuntary loss of urine, significant enough to cause social or hygienic problems.

Tubular Reabsorption

The process by which the kidneys reabsorb substances from the filtrate back into the blood.

Transient Hematuria

The presence of blood in the urine that occurs intermittently.

Oliguria

Decreased urine output, typically less than 400 mL per day.

Erythropoietin

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

Alkaline Phosphatase

An enzyme that may indicate liver or bone disease when levels are elevated in blood tests.

Creatinine

A waste product from creatine phosphate in muscles, filtered by the kidneys, used as a marker of kidney function.

Ureter

A tube that conveys urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination.

Nephrolithiasis

The condition of forming kidney stones.

Urinary Retention

Inability to completely empty the bladder.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum, often a complication of peritoneal dialysis.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium levels in the blood, often a concern in kidney disease.

Urosepsis

A life-threatening condition caused by bacteria in the urinary tract that spreads to the bloodstream.

Kidney Biopsy

A procedure used to diagnose kidney disease by obtaining a tissue sample.

Azotemia

Excess nitrogenous waste products in the blood, indicating impaired kidney function.

Cyclosporine

An immunosuppressive drug commonly used to prevent rejection in kidney transplant recipients.

Acid-Base Balance

The mechanism by which the body maintains a stable pH level in the blood.

Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome

A condition that can occur during or after dialysis characterized by cerebral edema and neurological symptoms.

Ureteral Stenosis

Narrowing of the ureter, which can lead to obstruction.

Proteinuria

The presence of excess protein in the urine, indicative of kidney damage.

Hyperphosphatemia

Elevated phosphate levels in the blood, common in kidney disease.

Immunosuppressive Therapy

Treatment regimen used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Neurogenic Bladder

Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological conditions that impair normal bladder control.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli, affecting kidney function.

Nitrites in Urine

Presence indicates a urinary tract infection due to bacterial conversion of nitrates.

Sodium Retention

The retention of sodium in the body, leading to fluid overload, common in kidney disorders.

End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)

The final stage of chronic kidney disease where dialysis or transplantation is required.

Ureteroscopy

A procedure to visualize the inside of the ureter and treat stones or other obstructions.

Acute Pyelonephritis

An acute bacterial infection of the kidney, often resulting from a urinary tract infection.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Kidney damage resulting from chronic diabetes, leading to kidney disease.

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter

A tube inserted into the abdomen for performing peritoneal dialysis.

Kidney Transplantation

Surgical procedure to replace a failing kidney with a healthy one from a donor.

Fluid Overload

Excess fluid in the body tissues, often as a result of compromised kidney function.

CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis)

A type of peritoneal dialysis that can be performed by the patient without machine assistance.

Fluid Balance

A state of equilibrium in bodily fluids, crucial for maintaining health.

Kidney Function Tests

Laboratory tests to assess the functioning of the kidneys, including serum creatinine and BUN.

Transcriptional Upregulation

Increased expression of genes in response to stimuli, such as inflammatory signals.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external environment.

Peritoneal Effluent

Fluid that is drained from the peritoneal cavity during dialysis.

Kidney Stones

Mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain and obstruction.

Oxidative Stress

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cell damage.

Cytokines

Proteins produced by cells that affect the immune response and inflammation.

Urgency with urination

A strong, often sudden urge to urinate, commonly associated with infections or inflammation.

BUN/Creatinine Ratio

A measure used to assess kidney function and distinguish between different causes of kidney injury.

Creatinine Clearance Test

A test to evaluate how well the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood.