Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering renal functions, gerontologic changes, diagnostic procedures, UTIs, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and dialysis modalities based on lecture notes.

Erythropoietin

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

Renin

An enzyme/hormone produced by the kidneys that functions in blood pressure regulation.

Calcitriol

The active form of Vitamin D converted by the kidneys.

Cystoscopy

A diagnostic procedure that inspects the interior of the bladder using a tubular lighted scope.

KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder)

An X-ray examination of the abdomen and pelvis that delineates the size, shape, and position of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, and can identify radiopaque stones.

Contrast-Induced Kidney Injury (CIN)

Kidney damage caused by iodine-based contrast media; mitigated by adequate hydration and administration of N-acetylcysteine.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

The most common pathogen causing urinary tract infections, responsible for 75% of total UTI cases and 65% of complicated UTIs.

Pyelonephritis

An upper urinary tract infection involving the renal parenchyma and collecting system.

Cystitis

An infection or inflammation located in the urinary bladder.

Urethritis

An infection or inflammation located in the urethra.

Urosepsis

A systemic, life-threatening infection originating from a urinary tract source that requires emergency medical treatment.

Complicated UTI

A urinary tract infection occurring in individuals with underlying health conditions or structural/functional abnormalities of the urinary tract.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

The presence and colonization of bacteria in the bladder without producing symptoms; routinely screened for and treated during pregnancy.

Phenazopyridine

An over-the-counter or prescription urinary analgesic medication used for symptomatic relief of dysuria in uncomplicated UTIs.

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

A healthcare-associated infection resulting from an indwelling urinary catheter; prevented by avoiding unnecessary placement, using aseptic technique, and removing catheters promptly.

Azotemia

An accumulation of nitrogenous waste products (such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) in the blood.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden and potentially reversible decline in kidney function over a few days, marked by serum creatinine elevation, decreased urine output, and azotemia.

Prerenal AKI

Acute kidney injury caused by factors external to the kidneys that reduce systemic blood flow and renal perfusion, such as hypovolemia, shock, or severe dehydration.

Intrinsic (Inter-renal) AKI

Acute kidney injury caused by direct structural damage to kidney tissue from conditions like acute tubular necrosis, nephrotoxic drugs, toxins, or glomerulonephritis.

Postrenal AKI

Acute kidney injury caused by mechanical obstruction of urine outflow (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, kidney stones, tumors), leading to urine reflux into the renal pelvis.

Oliguric Phase

The phase of AKI characterized by a sudden reduction in urine output to $\text{<400}\text{ mL/day}$, leading to fluid overload, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis.

Diuretic Phase

The phase of AKI where kidney function begins to recover and daily urine output increases up to $5\text{ L/day}$, creating a high risk for hypovolemia, hypotension, and electrolyte loss.

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)

A cation-exchange resin used in hyperkalemia therapy to bind and remove potassium from the gastrointestinal tract.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive, irreversible loss of renal function defined by presence of kidney damage or an eGFR of $\text{<60}\text{ mL/min/1.73m}^2$ for more than 3 months.

Uremia

A complex syndrome of advanced CKD where renal function declines to the point that multi-system symptoms develop, including pruritus, encephalopathy, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

A treatment for kidney failure where dialysate solution is instilled into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter, utilizing the peritoneum as a semipermeable membrane across three phases: inflow, dwell, and drain.

Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula

The preferred surgical vascular access for hemodialysis created by connecting an artery directly to a vein; patency is confirmed by feeling a thrill and hearing a bruit.

Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK)

A miniaturized, battery-powered dialysis machine weighing approximately 10 pounds that attaches via a belt catheter, allowing continuous blood filtration in end-stage renal disease.