AC 3 Exam 3 Flashcards
How does AKI present?
Sudden onset
May not progress
Full recovery is possible but may lead to ESRD/ESKD
Usually good prognosis
High mortality if other comorbidities, increased age, need for renal replacement therapy, etc
Why should we avoid HTN and hypotension in AKI patients?
HTN damages blood vessels to the kidneys and possibly cause stenosis
Hypotension leads to reduced blood flow to the kidneys
What nursing interventions should be implemented when caring for AKI patients?
Strict I&Os
Daily weights
Monitor electrolytes and labs
Monitor drug levels & adjust dose
Avoid nephrotoxic drugs/agents
What’s a fluid challenge and what’s the purpose in AKI patients?
Fluid bolus 500-1000 mL over 1 hour to see if the kidneys can handle filtering and putting urine output
Make sure the kidneys can still work
Why do we have to be careful when giving IVF to AKI patients?
We want to maintain their fluid status but we don’t want to fluid overload them. If the kidneys are already impaired and can’t make any urine out, giving pt more fluid will make them suffer more
What are some kidney lab changes that can be observed in patients with AKI?
Elevated BUN & Creatinine
Decreased creatinine clearance
Decreasing GFR
What’s azotemia?
Build up of wastes in the blood (increased blood osmolarity, creatinine, BUN)
Why is it important to get a dietitian involved when caring for AKI patients?
There is an increased rate of protein breakdown in muscles in AKI
Fluid/protein/electrolyte intake might be restricted and adjusted
A dietitian will calculate protein & caloric needs
How often should you assess food intake in AKI patients?
Q shift
Can you have AKI on CKD?
Yes; kind of like exacerbation episode
How is CKD presented?
Gradual onset
Progressive & permanent
Treatment & lifestyle changes required to slow progression & delay onset of ESRD
ESRD fatal without renal replacement therapy
Reduced lifespan
Potential for complex medical conditions affecting whole body system even with optimal treatment
Why is ESRD/ESKD fatal and can cause systemic problems even with optimal treatment?
When the kidneys are down, the body cannot filter/get rid of waste. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances also happen, which affect the entire system. We can only do so much, and all patients respond differently to treatment
How can any kind of surgery lead to AKI?
Anesthetics decrease blood flow to kidneys, which can possibly cause AKI
How many stages are there for CKD?
5; 1 being at risk and 5 being at ESRD
How is stage 1 CKD characterized?
At risk
Normal kidney function but either abnormal urine findings, structural abnormalities, or genetic traits r/t kidney disease
Reduce exposure to nephrotoxins
Manage HTN, DM, abnormalities
Promote kidney health as much as possible
How is CKD stage 2 characterized?
Mild CKD
Slightly reduced kidney function
Proteinuria may be present
Focus on reduction of risk factors
At what CKD stage are we trying to slow disease progression and start restricting fluids, proteins, and electrolytes?
Stage 3; moderate CKD
At what CKD stage are we managing complications, jaundice around the eyes may be present, educate about options, prepare for renal replacement therapy, and discuss patient preferences & values?
Stage 4; severe CKD
At what CKD stage are we implementing renal replacement therapy or kidney transplant?
Stage 5: ESKD
What is the biggest medication difference between AKI and CKD management?
Diuretic use
We can use diuretics with AKI but not CKD
Why should we educate CKD patients to avoid antacids?
Antacids have high amount of electrolyte in it; some are high in Mg, Na..etc.
We need to restrict electrolytes in CKD
A phosphate binder is prescribed to a CKD patient to take with meals to keep the phosphorus level low. Morning lab results are out, and the phosphorus level came out to be low. Should you give the phosphate binder?
Yes
Can you give protein supplement to a CKD patient on HD?
Yes, HD needs protein. With the patient already on protein restriction, we should supplement to maintain the protein level
What supplements can/should be given to CKD patients?
Calcium and vit D
Calcium to bring phosphorus level down (calcium-phosphate channel)