E4 Flashcards
What are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
Common excretory system problems caused by bacteria or viruses. Affect the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (urethritis).
What are the symptoms of UTIs?
Painful, burning urination; urge to urinate even when bladder is empty; cloudy, bloody, or brown urine (with foul odour); fever, chills, nausea.
Who is more likely to get UTIs?
Women are more likely than men.
How are UTIs treated?
Typically with antibiotics, though resistant strains are emerging.
What are kidney stones?
Crystalline formations, often from excess calcium.
What can cause kidney stones?
Recurrent UTIs; low water consumption; low activity levels.
What is Diabetes Insipidus?
Condition with low antidiuretic hormone (ADH) activity. Causes excessive urination (4–8L/day), dehydration, excessive thirst, and a preference for cold drinks.
Is there a cure for Diabetes Insipidus?
No cure, but medications can manage urine output.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Inadequate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Leads to high blood glucose and sugary (sweet-smelling/tasting) urine.
What is a major risk of Diabetes Mellitus?
Kidney damage (e.g., nephritis or renal insufficiency).
What is Nephritis?
Inflammation of the nephrons. Changes permeability, allowing proteins into urine. Increases urine output and can lead to kidney failure.
What is Renal Insufficiency (Kidney Failure)?
Kidneys cannot maintain homeostasis (waste removal, water & salt balance). Can be acute or chronic.
What are symptoms of Renal Insufficiency?
Decreased urine output; fluid retention (edema in legs, ankles, or feet); shortness of breath; confusion; nausea; weakness; irregular heartbeat.
What can cause Renal Insufficiency?
Kidney infection; high blood pressure; diabetes mellitus; trauma to lower back; poison exposure; atherosclerosis; tubule blockage; autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, scleroderma); medications.
What is Dialysis?
Diffusion of dissolved substances across a semi-permeable membrane. Substances move between blood and dialysate via concentration gradients.
What is Hemodialysis?
Blood filtered through an external, artificial membrane connected to veins/arteries in the arm.
What is Peritoneal Dialysis?
Dialysis performed through the peritoneum (lining of intestines).
How much kidney function is necessary for survival without dialysis?
Less than 10% kidney function means survival is unlikely without a transplant.
Where do kidney donations come from?
Cadaveric donors (sudden, recent death) or live donors.
What are the success rates for kidney transplants?
Cadaveric donor: ~95% success rate; live donor: ~98% success rate.
What must match between kidney donor and recipient?
Genetic compatibility: blood type and immune markers must be similar.
