Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination

Flashcards covering kidney functions, laboratory values, acute and chronic kidney disorders, diagnostic procedures, and urinary conditions like UTIs and BPH based on ATI Engage medical-surgical materials.

Kidney Function: Waste Removal

The process of removing waste products from the body, serving as the major regulator of fluid output.

Kidney Function: Acid Base Balance

The regulation of pH within the specific range of $7.35 - 7.45$.

Kidney Function: Bone Integrity

The conversion of Vitamin D to promote the structural soundness of bones.

Kidney Function: Hemodynamic Stability

The regulation of blood pressure through the secretion of Renin.

Erythropoietin

A hormone secreted by the kidneys that increases red blood cell (RBC) production.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A laboratory assessment of kidney function with a normal range of $7 - 20$.

Serum Creatinine (Cr)

A muscle waste product used to measure how well kidneys are functioning, with a normal value typically looking for $< 1.2$ or a range of $0.5 - 1.3$.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

A measure of kidney function and waste/fluid management, with a normal value of $> 90\,mL/min$.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A condition affecting all body systems that can occur due to trauma, drug use, infection, or renal artery blockage.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

An irreversible loss of kidney function, often occurring in older adults, categorized into 5 stages.

Uremic Frost

Crystals that form on the skin as a result of uremia in chronic kidney disease.

Uremic Halitosis

Bad breath associated with the buildup of uremic toxins in the body.

Kussmaul Respirations

Deep, rapid breathing often displayed by patients with metabolic acidosis in kidney disorders.

24 Hour Urine Collection

A diagnostic lab procedure where the first void is discarded and all subsequent urine is collected for 24 hours.

KUB

An X-ray of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder; the nurse should ask if the client is pregnant before the procedure.

VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram)

A procedure where contrast dye is injected into a catheter to examine the bladder for trauma or UTIs.

Kidney Biopsy

A procedure performed under sedation where the nurse must monitor the dressing for bleeding and the urine for traces of blood.

Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS)

A multiorgan condition affecting both the kidneys and liver, often seen in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, characterized by reduced GFR without primary kidney pathology.

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

A sulfonamide antibiotic used as a first-line treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Phenazopyridine

A medication used to treat the discomfort, burning, and dysuria (painful urination) associated with a UTI.

Stress Test (Urinary)

An assessment for urinary incontinence where the client is asked to cough while standing with a full bladder.

Bladder Scan

An ultrasound used to measure post-void residual (PVR) urine in the bladder.

Urinary Incontinence

The involuntary loss of urine or a sudden desire to void accompanied by urine leakage; strongly correlated with an increased risk for falls.

Urinary Retention

The inability to void or empty the bladder, which can be caused by obstructions like Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) or stones.

TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate)

A surgical management procedure for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

A kidney condition characterized by flank pain, polyuria, nocturia, hematuria, and palpable kidney masses.

Renal Calculi

Stones within the renal system that can cause obstruction and urinary retention.

CKD Stage 1

A stage where the GFR is greater than $90$, indicating kidneys are functioning within normal range but little damage is present.

CKD Stage 3a

A stage where the GFR is between $45$ and $59$, indicating kidneys are not functioning within normal range and mild to moderate damage is evident.

CKD Stage 5

Also known as kidney failure; a stage where the GFR is less than $15$ and kidneys have stopped or are very close to not functioning.