Ch 27: Acute Kidney Injury Flashcards
acute kidney injury is rapid loss of kidney function with:
Rise in serum creatinine and/or reduction in urine output
Elevated BUN and K+
Azotemia—accumulation of nitrogenous waste products (BUN, creatinine)
prerenal causes
factors that reduce systemic circulation causing reduction in renal blood flow which leads to oliguria
Severe dehydration,
heart failure,
decreased CO,
vasodilated states (sepsis, anaphylaxis)
what is prerenal axotemia
decreased Na+ excretion, increased Na+ and H2O retention and urine output
intrarenal failure causes
problems that cause direct damage to kidney tissue
Prolonged ischemia
Nephrotoxins
Hemoglobin released from hemolyzed RBCs
Myoglobin released from necrotic muscle cells
Kidney diseases—acute glomerulonephritis and SLE
CT contrast dye
the most common cause of intrarenal AKI
acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
Results from ischemia, nephrotoxins, or sepsis
Severe ischemia causes disruption in basement membrane and patchy destruction of tubular epithelium
Nephrotoxic agents cause necrosis of tubular epithelial cells—clog tubules
Potentially reversible
causes of postrenal failure
mechanical obstruction of outflow which results reflux into renal pelvis, impairing kidney function
Benign prostatic hyperplasia,
prostate cancer,
calculi,
trauma,
extrarenal tumors
bilateral ureteral obstruction
what is bilateral ureteral obstruction
hydronephrosis; relieve obstruction in 48 hours increased chance of recovery
phases of clinical manifestations of AKI
oliguric
diuretic
recovery
RIFLE classification of AKI
Risk
Injury
Failure
Loss
ESRD
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - urinary changes**
Urinary output less than 400 mL/day
Occurs within 1 to 7 days after injury
Lasts 10 to 14 days (longer poor prognosis)
Urinalysis—casts, RBCs, WBCs, protein
Specific gravity 1.010
Osmolality 300 mOsm/kg
50% patients nonoliguric; greater than 400 mL urine/day
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - fluid volume
Hypovolemia may exacerbate AKI
Decreased urine output leads to fluid retention
- Neck veins distended
- Bounding pulse
- Edema
- Hypertension
Fluid overload can lead to heart failure, pulmonary edema, and pericardial and pleural effusions
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - metabolic acidosis
Impaired kidney cannot excrete hydrogen ions or acid products of metabolism
Serum bicarbonate (HCO3−) production is decreased
- Reabsorption and regeneration defective
Severe acidosis develops
- Kussmaul respirations—increasing exhaled CO2
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - sodium balance
Increased excretion of sodium—damaged tubules
Hyponatremia can lead to cerebral edema
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - potassium excess
Impaired ability of kidneys to excrete K+
Increased risk with massive tissue trauma
Usually asymptomatic
ECG changes—peaked T waves, widened QRS, ST depression
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - hematologic disorders
Leukocytosis—infection may be fatal
- Urinary and respiratory infections
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - hematologic disorders
Increased BUN and *serum creatinine levels
clinical manifestations - oliguric phase - neurologic disorders
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Seizures, stupor, coma
clinical manifestations and time frame of diuretic phase
(2 to 6 weeks)
Daily urine output is 1 to 3 L; up to 5 L
Osmotic diuresis from high urea and inability of tubules to concentrate urine
Monitor for hypovolemia, hypotension, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and dehydration
clinical manifestations and time frame of recover phase
(up to 12 months)
Increased GFR, decreased BUN and creatinine
Influenced by severity of injury and complications
diagnostic studies for AKI
Thorough history
Serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes
Urinalysis
Renal ultrasound
Renal scan
CT scan
Renal biopsy
Contraindications for contrast medium
MRI or MRA with gadolinium contrast medium—may be fatal
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)
Diabetics taking metformin: hold 48 hours before and after use of contrast medium; risk of lactic acidosis
If contrast is needed for high-risk patients—use low-dose and optimal hydration
Interprofessional care goals of AKI
Eliminate cause
Manage signs and symptoms
Prevent complications
Interprofessional Care of AKI
Ensure adequate intravascular volume and cardiac output
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide [Lasix])
- Osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol)
Closely monitor fluid intake during oliguric phase
- Fluid restriction calculation: All fluid losses for previous 24 hours + 600 mL (insensible loses)