Module 6: Renal I - Renal Failures

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to renal functions, types of kidney injury, and their clinical implications, aiding in the understanding of renal pathophysiology.

Excretory Function

The renal function responsible for the removal of metabolic wastes, drug metabolites, and toxins from the body.

Regulatory Function

Renal function that includes fluid balance (water reabsorption/excretion), electrolyte balance (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺), and acid-base balance (H⁺ secretion and HCO₃⁻ reabsorption).

Renin

An enzyme produced by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure and sodium balance via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Erythropoietin

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

Urinar Analysis (UA)

A test that examines urine for various components to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities.

Azotemia

An elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels often indicating impaired kidney function.

Uremia

A clinical syndrome resulting from the accumulation of waste products due to kidney failure, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue and confusion.

Nephritic Syndrome

A kidney disorder characterized by hematuria, RBC casts, mild proteinuria, and hypertension, often triggered by infections.

Nephrotic Syndrome

A kidney disorder defined by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and generalized edema.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A rapid decline in kidney function characterized by increased serum creatinine and often decreased urine output.

Prerenal AKI

A type of AKI caused by decreased renal perfusion, often due to dehydration or volume depletion.

Intrinsic AKI

AKI resulting from structural damage to the kidney tissue, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN) or glomerulonephritis.

Postrenal AKI

AKI caused by urinary outflow obstruction, leading to increased tubular pressure and decreased GFR.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

A progressive, irreversible decline in kidney function over three months, identifiable by GFR or kidney damage evidence.

Fluid Overload

A condition where there is excessive fluid in the body, often due to kidney dysfunction leading to retention of water and sodium.

Mineral & Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD)

Complications arising from CKD including decreased calcitriol, phosphate retention, and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Renal Replacement Therapy

Treatment modalities for end-stage renal disease, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.

Nephrotoxicity

Kidney damage caused by drugs, resulting from direct toxicity, reduced blood flow, or allergic reactions.