Renal and Urological Systems Flashcards
Each kidney lobule is composed of more than one million ____.
Nephrons (functional units of the kidney)
What part of the kidney is responsible for filtering blood?
Glomerulus
What is the difference between the ureter and the urethra?
Ureter = moves urine via peristaltic action
Urethra = extends from the bladder to an external orifice for elimination of urine from the body
List 5 functions of the kidney.
- Regulates the composition and pH of body fluids through reabsorption and elimination
- Eliminates metabolic wasters and drugs/drug metabolites
- Assist in BP regulation through renin-angiotensin-aldosterone mechanisms and water/salt elimination
- Contributes to bone metabolic function by activating vitamin D and regulating calcium and phosphate conservation and elimination
- Controls the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow through the production of erythropoietin
What is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
The amount of filtrate that is formed each minute as blood moves through the glomeruli and serves as an important gauge of renal function
What is the normal creatine clearance by the kidney?
115-125 mL/min
What is blood urea nitrogen (BUN)? When is this elevated? (3)
Urea produced in the liver as a by product of protein metabolism that is eliminated by the kidneys
Elevated with increased protein intake, GI bleeding and dehydration
List the normal values of urine (color, clarity, specific gravity, pH, protein and sugar).
Color: Yellow-amber Clarity: clear Specific gravity: 1.010-1.025 with normal fluid intake pH: 4.6-8.0; average is 6 (acid) Protein: 0-8 mg/dL Sugar: 0
How is homeostasis regulated by the renal and urological systems?
Through thirst mechanisms and renal function via circulating antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
What are the normal serum levels of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium?
Potassium = 3.5-5.5 mEq/L Sodium = 135-146 mEq/L Calcium = 8.4-10.4 mg/dL Magnesium = 1.8-2.4 mg/dL
List 4 possible causes of hypokalemia.
Deficient potassium or excessive loss due to:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
Renal tubular disease
List 6 possible causes of hyperkalemia.
Inadequate secretion with acute renal failure Kidney disease Metabolic acidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis Sickle cell anemia Lupus
What are the causes of hyponatremia versus hypernatremia?
Hyponatremia = water intoxication associated with excess intake or excess ADH (tumors, endocrine disorders)
Hypernatremia = occurs with water deficits (not salt excess) with dehydration, insufficient water intake
List 5 clinical signs of hyponatremia.
- Confusion
- Signs of increased cerebral pressure
- Poor motor coordination
- Sleepiness
- Anorexia
Lust 7 clinical signs of hypernatremia.
- Circulatory congestion (pitting edema, weight gain)
- Pulmonary edema with dyspnea
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Convulsions