Renal Disorders

Question 1

Definition of Renal System

Answer 1

Consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra which as a system produce, store, and eliminate urine.

Question 2

Physiological Changes in Pregnancy

Answer 2

• Progesterone relaxes the walls of the ureters and allows dilation and kinking which can cause kinking and slow down flow
• Heavier uterus can inhibit flow
• Increased blood can increase rate of filtration in the kidneys thus the kidneys aren’t able to completely reabsorb some substances and so are excreted in urine
• The bladder rises above the symphysis pubis as the fetus moves further into the pelvis, restricting ureters.

Question 3

Pyelonephritis

Answer 3

An ascending urinary tract infection that is diagnosed by MSU.
Symptoms include pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, dysuria.
Treated with antibiotics

Question 4

Acute Kidney Injury

Answer 4

Sudden damage to kidneys, affecting the way in which they work. Diagnosed by blood tests and urine output.
Symptoms include abdo pain, back ache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, high bp, oedema

Question 5

Chronic Kidney Disease

Answer 5

Long term condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should. Diagnosed by blood tests and urine.
Symptoms aren’t always present but can include tiredness, oedema, shortness of breath, nausea and blood in the urine
Treatment can include lifestyle changes, dialysis and kidney transplant.

Question 6

Care

Answer 6

• Continue any treatment. Haemodialysis requirments would increase in pregnancy, sometimes to 6x week.
• Avoid catheterization
• Fluid balance