exemplars

150 vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the kidney anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical exemplars described in the notes.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone from the pituitary gland that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

Pituitary gland

A brain gland that secretes ADH and other hormones; location noted in the notes as the source of ADH.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid produced by the adrenal glands that increases sodium reabsorption; water follows sodium, increasing blood volume.

Adrenal gland

Endocrine gland that secretes aldosterone and other hormones.

Renin

An enzyme secreted by the kidneys in response to low GFR to activate the renin–angiotensin system.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood, regulate electrolytes, and secrete renin.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS)

Hormonal cascade that raises blood pressure via vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention.

Angiotensin II

Potent vasoconstrictor produced in the RAAS that raises blood pressure and stimulates aldosterone release.

Sodium

Electrolyte reabsorbed in the kidney; its retention increases blood volume and pressure.

Water

Fluid that follows sodium reabsorption, contributing to increased circulating volume.

Potassium

Electrolyte regulated by the kidneys; abnormal levels affect heart and muscle function.

Calcium

Electrolyte regulated by the kidneys; important for bones and cellular functions.

Phosphorus

Electrolyte excreted by the kidneys; balance with calcium is important.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

Bicarbonate maintained by the kidneys to regulate acid-base balance.

pH balance

The body's acid-base status, tightly regulated by kidneys and lungs.

Metabolic acidosis

Acid-base disorder from kidney dysfunction or retention of acids.

Compensated metabolic acidosis

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation to stabilize pH.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Rate at which the kidneys filter blood through the glomeruli.

Creatinine

Waste product excreted by the kidneys; a key marker of kidney function.

Proteinuria

Presence of excess protein in urine, indicating glomerular permeability issues.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine.

Oliguria

Decreased urine output.

Edema

Swelling due to fluid overload or shifts in fluid compartments.

Third spacing

Fluid moves into interstitial/third spaces; reduced circulating volume despite edema.

Hypertension

Chronic high blood pressure often associated with kidney disease.

Atherosclerosis

Hardening or narrowing of arteries, including renal arteries, affecting perfusion.

Renal arteries

Arteries supplying the kidneys; can become narrowed or blocked.

Nephrosclerosis

Hardening and narrowing of renal vessels, often from hypertension.

Nephron

Functional unit of the kidney performing filtration and reabsorption.

Glomerulus

Capillary tuft in a nephron where filtration occurs.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli, often immune-mediated.

Antigen-antibody complex

Immune complex that deposits in glomeruli, triggering inflammation.

Streptococcus infection

Bacterial infection commonly linked to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

GN following a streptococcal infection due to immune complex deposition.

Pyelonephritis

Infection of the kidney, usually ascending from a UTI.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infection anywhere along the urinary tract; can ascend to kidneys.

Confusion (elderly with UTI)

A common presenting sign of UTI in older adults.

Antibiotics

Drugs used to treat bacterial infections such as pyelonephritis or GN.

Steroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat glomerulonephritis and inflammation.

Yeast infection

Possible antibiotic side effect; risk increases with antibiotic use.

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria used to reduce antibiotic-associated yeast overgrowth.

Rifampin

Antibiotic used for resistant infections and TB; mentioned for chronic infections.

Chronic pyelonephritis

Long-standing kidney infection causing scarring and dysfunction.

Chronic glomerulonephritis

Chronic inflammation of the glomeruli leading to progressive kidney failure.

Nephrotic syndrome

Kidney syndrome with massive proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia, and often edema.

Massive proteinuria

Very high protein loss in urine typical of nephrotic syndrome.

Foamy urine

Urine with foam indicating significant proteinuria.

Hypoalbuminemia

Low blood albumin due to urinary protein loss.

Edema in nephrotic syndrome

Swelling from reduced oncotic pressure from albumin loss.

Third spacing in nephrotic syndrome

Fluid shifts into interstitial spaces due to hypoalbuminemia.

Sepsis

System-wide infection causing vasodilation and capillary leak; affects kidneys.

Nephritic syndrome

Inflammatory renal syndrome with hematuria, oliguria, hypertension, and variable proteinuria.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Final stage of CKD requiring dialysis or transplant.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Progressive loss of kidney function over time.

Kidney failure

Inability of kidneys to maintain homeostasis of fluids and electrolytes.

Barrier cream

Cream applied to skin to prevent irritation from urinary devices or moisture.

StatLock

Device that secures catheters to reduce dislodgement and infection risk.

Catheter

Flexible tube inserted into the body to drain urine.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

Nephrostomy tube

Tube placed to drain urine directly from the kidney; exits through the back.

Nephrostomy tube location

Tube contouring from kidney to outside the body through the back.

Documentation of multiple tubes

Clinical practice of documenting each catheter/tube separately.

Nephritic vs nephrotic distinction

Nephritic = inflammation with retention of fluid; nephrotic = excess protein loss and third spacing.

Protein loss in urine (nephrotic)

Massive proteinuria leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema.

Protein loss in urine (nephritic)

Proteinuria present but not at nephrotic levels; mixed picture with inflammation.

Foamy urine as a sign

Clinical sign indicating proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome.

Oliguria in GN

Reduced urine output associated with glomerulonephritis.

Hematuria in GN

Blood in urine due to glomerular inflammation.

Edema as a GN symptom

Fluid retention and swelling from altered glomerular function.

Fluids management in nephrotic syndrome

Sodium restriction to reduce edema and fluid overload.

Sodium restriction

Dietary limit on sodium to help manage edema and blood pressure.

GFR age-related changes

GFR naturally declines with age, affecting kidney function.

Creatinine as kidney function marker

A primary lab marker used to assess kidney function.

Kidney disease prevention in UTI

Prevention strategies reduce pyelonephritis risk (hydration, hygiene).

UTI prevention in exam notes

Good hygiene and hydration are emphasized to prevent UTIs and pyelonephritis.

Sepsis and kidney function

Sepsis can cause vasodilation and fluid shifts impacting kidney perfusion.

Barriers to kidney healing

Chronic inflammation can lead to scar tissue and potential cancer risk.

Scar tissue in kidney

Fibrosis from chronic inflammation or infection that reduces function.

Chronic kidney disease progression

Ongoing loss of nephrons leading to reduced renal function.

Nephron loss consequences

Fewer nephrons raise workload on remaining nephrons and worsen CKD.

Sequelae of nephrotic syndrome

Edema, infection risk, and potential thrombosis due to protein loss.

Urine protein testing

Used to detect proteinuria indicating glomerular disease.

Foamy urine significance

Indicative sign of heavy protein loss in nephrotic syndrome.

Proteinuria thresholds

High levels point toward nephrotic-range protein loss.

Hypertension treatment basics in kidneys

BP control through lifestyle changes and meds to protect kidney function.

Lifestyle modifications in HTN

Low-sodium diet, cholesterol management, smoking cessation, glucose control.

Nephrosclerosis and RAAS

Renal vessel changes can trigger renin release and hypertension.

Kidney perfusion assessment

Renal blood flow evaluation used when evaluating hypertension.

Chronic inflammation kidney risk

Long-term inflammation raises cancer risk and organ failure risk.

Urine color and components

Protein, blood, and other components in urine reflect kidney status.

Urine culture relevance

Urinalysis and culture help diagnose infection and inflammation.

Acid-base balance of kidney

Kidneys regulate bicarbonate and hydrogen ions to maintain pH.

Acid-base compensation

Respiratory compensation balancing metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Hyperkalemia risk in CKD

Impaired potassium excretion raises potassium levels, affecting heart rhythm.

Kidney consultation triggers

Severe CKD, resistant HTN, or suspicion of renal cancer prompts specialist input.

Renal cancer risk factors

Chronic inflammation and scar tissue can increase cancer risk.

GFR monitoring importance

Regular GFR checks track CKD progression and guide treatment.

Creatinine interpretation

Higher creatinine indicates worse kidney function; guides dosing.

Urine albumin test

Albumin in urine signals glomerular leak and nephrotic risk.