Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

Question 1

How do you define ARF?

Answer 1

Sudden loss of kidney function to excrete toxins and regulate fluid and electrolytes

Question 2

Possible cause of ARF?

Answer 2

Infections, obstruction, shock

Question 3

What are the 3 phases of ARF?

Answer 3

The oliguric, diuretic and recovery phase

Question 4

What electrolytes will be elevated?

Answer 4

Sodium (NA) Phosphate (PO4)

Question 4

What does nurse expect on Oliguric phase?

Answer 4

Last 1 to 2 weeks low u/o of less than 400 ml/day, hyperkalemia, hypertension, elevated BUN/creatinine levels and fluid overload

Question 5

What does nurse expect during diuretic phase?

Answer 5

The u/o slowly return, hypokalemia and hypotension, BUN/creatinine decreases but still elevated

Question 6

What does the recovery phase mean?

Answer 6

The kidneys are recovering through a slow process. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) increases w/c allows u/o to increase. BUN return to normal

Question 7

What is a normal GFR?

Answer 7

A GFR above 60 considered normal
Below 60 may mean kidney disease.
GFR 15 or lower kidney failure

Question 8

Diets for a client with ARF?

Answer 8

Healthy carbs, low protein and low sodium

Question 9

What are nursing interventions for ARF?

Answer 9

Monitor F/E balance
Daily weights are required
Monitor U/O accurately
Monitor K levels