Acute Renal Failure

Question 1

What is the definition of acute renal failure (ARF)

Answer 1

The sudden loss of kidney functions excrete toxins and regulate fluid and electrolytes.

Question 2

What are some possible causes of Acute renal failure (ARF)?

Answer 2

Infection, obstruction, shock

Question 3

There are three phases of ARF say what they are?

Answer 3

Oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phase

Question 4

During the oliguric phase what should the nurse expect to see?

Answer 4

This phase last 1 to 2 weeks.
A low urine output of less than 400ml per day,
Hyperkalemia, hypertension, elevated BUN/creatinine levels, and fluid overload

Question 5

What two electrolytes will be elevated?

Answer 5

Sodium and phosphate

Question 6

The diuretic phase is second; what is expected?

Answer 6

The urine output slowly returns, hypokalemia and hypotension.
BUN/Creatinine decreases but still elevated.

Question 7

What does recovery phase means?

Answer 7

The kidney are recovering through a slow process. The GFR increases which allows urine output to increase. The BUN and creatinine return to normal.

Question 8

Which is the best diet for a client with Cute renal failure (ARF)

Answer 8

Healthy carbs, low protein, and low sodium

Question 9

Clinical priorities:

Answer 9

The client will be placed on fluid restrictions it is appropriate for the nurse’s aide to hang any educational sign over the bed or inside the room. Never hang patient information signs outside of the room of the room. It’s HIPPA violation.

-> Daily weights are required

-> Monitor the patient for Azotemia which is the development of urea in the blood.

-> Monitor the patients mental status as confusion and lethargy are caused by a buildup of toxins in blood.

-> Insert an indwelling catheter to accurately monitor urine output. Ordered needed for this.

-> Monitor potassium levels as hyperkalemia/hypokalemia will lead to an increased cardiac risk.