Renal Flashcards
What are urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract from the kidneys, down the ureters to the bladder and then out of the urethra.
How can the section of the urinary tract affected by a UTI be determined?
It can be determined by a solid assessment and a good history take.
What symptoms might indicate urethral syndrome instead of a UTI?
Symptoms include burning and stinging on urination, bladder or urethral pain, and increased urgency or frequency without an infection present.
What is the first course of antibiotics commonly given for UTIs?
Patients are most commonly given trimethoprim until their urine sample can be analyzed.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is caused by a breakdown in skeletal muscle, leading to the release of byproducts into circulation.
What are the three important effects of muscle tissue damage in rhabdomyolysis?
- Release of potassium causing arrhythmias. 2. Release of myoglobin leading to acute renal failure. 3. Inflammation causing compartment syndrome.
What are renal calculi?
Renal calculi are kidney stones that can develop in dehydrated patients or those with a high salt or protein diet.
What is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)?
RAAS helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body, beginning in the kidneys.
What triggers the release of renin in the RAAS?
Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidneys detect low blood pressure or low sodium levels.
What does renin convert angiotensinogen into?
Renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin-1.
What is the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)?
ACE transforms angiotensin-1 into its active form, angiotensin-2.
What are the functions of angiotensin-2?
- Causes vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure. 2. Signals adrenal glands to release aldosterone.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
CKD is when the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood properly, leading to waste and fluid buildup.
What can cause chronic kidney disease?
Causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, injuries, and aging.
What is acute kidney injury (AKI)?
AKI can be divided into pre-renal, intra-renal, and post-renal types.
What causes pre-renal AKI?
Pre-renal AKI is caused by problems with blood flow to the kidneys, such as dehydration or low blood pressure.
What causes intra-renal AKI?
Intra-renal AKI is caused by direct damage to the kidneys from toxins, infections, or myoglobin blockage.
What causes post-renal AKI?
Post-renal AKI is caused by problems with urine drainage, such as kidney stones or tumors pressing on the urinary tract.
Why is acute kidney injury serious?
AKI can have catastrophic effects on the body and requires rapid treatment.
