Acute kidney injury

Question 1

Causes of AKI

Answer 1

-due to low blood flow to kidneys
-hypovolemia- due to haem, d+v, dehydration, AAA
-reduced cardiac output- HF, liver failure, sepsis
-inflammation/ blockage of BV to kidney
-drugs- NSAID’S, ACE inhibitors, diuretics
-specific kidney problems eg. tumour, stones

Question 2

Symptoms of AKI

Answer 2

-early stage= no symptoms
-reduced urine output
-nausea and vomiting
-dehydration
-abdo pain/ mild back pain
-confusion
-hypertension
-oedema (pulmonary or peripheral)

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

-age
-underlying renal disease
-diabetes
-dehydration
-HF
-sepsis
-urinary retention
-recent drug intake eg. ACE, NSAID’s

Question 4

Pathophysiology AKI

Answer 4

-due to impaired kidney perfusion
-kidneys react by re-absorbing more Na and water to increase BP