Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) vs. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Question 1

Define the term AKI

Answer 1

Term incorporates a wide spectrum of kidney issues
Includes acute kidney failure as well as less catastrophic kidney function changes
May dialyze in an out-patient facility until kidney function recovers

Question 2

Give 3 examples of pre-renal causes of AKI

Answer 2

Pre: obstruction, volume depletion, impaired cardiac function

Question 3

Give 3 examples of intra-renal causes of AKI

Answer 3

sepsis, septic shock, Anaphylaxis drugs, trauma

Question 4

Give 3 examples of post-renal causes of AKI

Answer 4

Obstruction, bladder rupture, pregnancy

Question 5

Explain the difference between AKI and CKD

Answer 5

Eliminating the cause of the AKI can often lead to the return of kidney function
You cannot eliminate the cause of CKD which is HTN, Diabetes, genetic disorders (PKD)

Question 6

Outline the treatment goals for a patient with AKI dialyzing in the out-patient facility
How do you help in restoring kidney function?

Answer 6

Find the cause of the AKI

Question 7

Outline the treatment goals for a patient with AKI dialyzing in the out-patient facility
What do you need to consider in regards to their vascular access?

Answer 7

Patients will typically have a dialysis catheter, be careful to avoid catheter related infections.

Question 8

Outline the treatment goals for a patient with AKI dialyzing in the out-patient facility
How do you protect kidneys from further injury?

Answer 8

Avoid substances to the kidney which may be toxic (radiographic contrast, amphotericin B, low dose aspirin, NSAIDS

Question 9

What is important when monitoring weight and BP?

Answer 9

Keep a little extra fluid on them so it is available to the kidneys when they start filtering/ultra-filtering on their own

Question 10

AKI patients are at increased risk for which complications?

Answer 10

Hypovolemia and hypotension