Kidney Failure NF Flashcards
why might the kidneys fail?
- kidney infections (structures of podocytes and tubules themselves can be damaged or destroyed.)
- raised blood pressure (damage structue of epithelial cells and basement membrane of the Bowman’s capsule.
- genetic conditions (such as polycystic kidney disease where the healthy kidney tissue is replaced by fluid-filled cyss or damaged by pressure from cysts.)
what might happen if the kidneys are infected or affected by high blood pressure?
- protein present in the urine.
- blood present in the urine.
why might protein be present in the urine of people with damaged kidneys?
if the basement membrane or podocytes of the Bowman’s capsule are damaged they no longer act as filters and large plasma proteins can pass into the filtrate and passed out in the urine.
what happens if the kidneys fail completely?
concentration of urea and mineral ions build up in the body.
what might happen if the concentration of urea and mineral ions build up in the body?
- loss of electrolyte balance.
- build up of toxic urea in the blood.
- high blood pressure
- weakened bones
- pain and stiffness in joints
- anaemia
what happens if there is a loss of electrolyte balance?
if the kidneys fail, the body cannot excrete excess sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. this causes osmotic imbalances in the tissues and eventual death.
what happens if there is a build up of toxic urea in the blood?
if the kidneys fail, the body cannot get rid of urea and it can poison the cells.
what happens if someone has high blood pressure?
the kidneys play an important role in controlling the blood pressure by maintaining the water balance of the blood. if the kidneys fail, the blood pressure increases and this can cause a range of health problems including heart problems and strokes.
why are bones weakened?
calcium/phosphate balance in the blood is lost.
what causes pain and stiffness in joints?
abnormal proteins build up in the blood.
what causes anaemia?
the kidneys are involved in the production of a hormone called erythropoitein that stimulates the formation of red blood cells. when the kidneys fail it can reduce the production of red blood cells causing tiredness and lethargy.
