2 Signs and Symptoms of Renal Disease

Question 1

Why might someone with renal disease be tired/fatigued/finding it hard to concentrate?

Answer 1

Decrease kidney function

Build up of toxins in blood

Anaemia

Question 2

For suspected renal disease, what factors should we examine?

Answer 2

• General appearance
• Hands and skin
• BP
• Fluid balance
• Examination of pulses
• Examination of heart
• Examination of abdomen
• Urinalysis

Question 3

Identify some common symtoms of patients with renal disease and explain why they may have this symptom.

(Patient may not be symptomatic but will have abnormal results)

Answer 3

1. Tiredness
   
   1. Anaemia
   2. Toxin build up in blood
2. Trouble sleeping
   
   1. Toxin build up in blood
3. Dry/Itchy skin
   
   1. Sign of mineral/bone disease accompanying advanced kidney disease
4. Urinating often/ Nocturia
5. Haematuria
   
   1. Damaged kidney filters/malignancy/kidney stones
6. Foamy urine
   
   1. Protein in urine
7. Persistent puffiness around eyes
   
   1. Kidneys leaking protein
8. Swollen ankles/feet
   
   1. Sodium retention
9. Poor appetite
   
   1. Build up of toxins
10. Muscles cramping
    
    1. Electrolyte imbalances

Question 4

What is uraemic frost?

Answer 4

Crystallized urea deposits that can be found on the skin of those affected by chronic kidney disease

Question 5

Name some symptoms of end stage renal disease.

Answer 5

Nausea

Vomiting

Fatigue

Muscle cramps

Weight loss

(Uraemic- urine in blood)

Dry cough- congestive heart failure due to kidney disease

Question 6

Name some signs of end stage renal disease.

Answer 6

Tachypnea

Tachycaria

Elevated blood pressure

Dry skin (uraemic frost)

Petechia

Pitting oedema

MSK pain

Question 7

How many stages are there of chronic kidney disease?

Answer 7

5

V= ESRD- kidneys irreversibly damaged

Requires:

• dialysis
• kidney transplant

Question 8

Why is it important to be careful when prescribing drugs to someone with CKD?

Answer 8

Many drugs= nephrotoxic

Drugs can make CKD worse

Question 9

Name some of the functions of the kidney

Answer 9

• Calcium phosphate balance
• Electrolyte balance
• Excrete nitrogenous waste
• Excrete toxic metabolites
• Maintain RBC production
• Long-term BP control
• Maintenance of K⁺ balance- depends mainly on kidneys

Question 10

Why are patients with severe CKD/ESRD vitamin D deficient?

Answer 10

Kidneys produce enzyme required for activation of Vitamin D (to physiologically functional form)

Question 11

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Question 12

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Question 13

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Question 14

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Question 15

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Question 16

Answer 16