Renal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive Conditions Flashcards
1. Describe how a child's fluid and electrolyte status differs from that of an adult. 2. Assess and plan care for a dehydrated child. 3. Assess and plan care for a child with an infected or inflamed renal or genitourinary system. 4. Discuss congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract.
Function of Kidneys
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Detoxify blood
- Eliminate wastes
- Produce erythropoietin in response to hypoxia to stimulate bone marrow to make more RBCs.
- Regulate BP by producing renin
a. Renin stimulates the production of angiotensin I, which stimulates prduction of angiotensin II, which causes peripheral vasoconstrition and secretion of aldosterone.
b. Aldosterone promotes reabsorption of sodium and water and raises BP; aldosterone also increases renal excretion. - Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
- Regulate acid/base balance
Body water and body weight
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
The amount varies with age, sex, and percentage of body fat.
1. The premature infant’s weight is 90% water; the term infant’s weight is 75% to 80% water.
a. The infant has a much greater percentage of total body water in extracellular fluid (42%-45%) than the adult does (20%).
b. The infant therefore cannot conserve water as well as the adult and has less fluid reserve.
2. Because of the increased percentage of water in a child’s extracellular fluid, the child’s water turnover rate is 2 to 3 times higher than the adult’s; 50% of the infant’s extracellular fluid is exchanged every day, compared with only 20% of the adult’s.
3. The child is therefore more susceptible than the adult to dehydration.
4. The proportion of body water to body weight decreases with increasing age as body fat increases and solid body structures grow.
5. The distribution of body water does not reach adult levels until late school age.
6. The adult percentage of body water (63% for men, 52% for women) is attained by age 3; after puberty, females have more fat than males and therefore less water weight.
Metabolism
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- The child’s growth depends on, and results in, an increased metabolic rate.
a. The child’s metabolic rate is 2 to 3 times higher than that of the adult.
b. The child therefore also produces more metabolic waste. - The child’s pulse, respiratory, and peristaltic rates are higher than the adult’s.
a. The child has a greater proportion of insensible water loss.
b. The child therefore needs more water per kilogram of body weight than the adult.
Body Surface Area
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- The newborn has a greater ratio of body surface area to body weight than the adult; this results in greater fluid loss through the skin.
- Shivering and sweating mechanisms after infancy improve to control body temperature.
Electrolytes
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
Sodium (135-145 mEq/L)
1. Principal cation of extracellular fluid
2. Influences distribution of body water (water follows sodium) and osmolality
3. Inefficient reabsorption of sodium can result in hyponatremia
Potassium (3.5-5 mEq/L)
1. Principal cation of intracellular fluid
2. Major determinant of cell membrane resting potential, influencing neuromuscular excitability; too much or too little will negatively affect cardiac condution
Calcium (8.5-10.2 mg/dL)
1. Helps maintain normal cell membrane permeability
2. Deficit results in tetany; excess causes hypotonia
3. A component of bone and teeth and the clotting cascade
Phosphorus
1. Crucial for energy production for metabolism and growth
2. Interacts with calcium to promote bone growth
Magnesium
1. Important for muscle and nerve activity
Renal Function
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- The child attains the adult number of nephrons by age 1 year, although these structures continue to m ature throughout early childhood.
- The infant’s renal function can maintain healthy fluid and electrolyte status; however, it does not compensate as efficiently during stress as the adult’s.
- The infant has a low glomerular filration rate; however, the rate approaches the adult level by age 2.
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The infant does not concentrate urine at an adult level.
a. Average specific gravity for the infant is less than 1.010 (water is 1.000).
b. Average specific gravity for an adult is 1.010 to 1.030. -
Although the number of daily voidings decreases with increasing age (because of increased urine concentration and better control), the total amaount of urine produced daily may not vary significantly; the amount of urine is measured by weighing the diaper and subtracting dry weight from wet weight (grams equals milliliters because of the low specific gravity).
a. Normal urine output is age-dependent: Newborn and infant up to 1 year: normal is 2 ml/kg/hour. Toddler: 1.5 ml/kg/hour. Older child: 1 ml/kg/hour.
b. The 4-year-old’s bladder holds 250 ml, allowing the child to stay dry through the night.
Urinary function studies
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Urine is checked for blood, protein, glucose, ketones, and pH via a dipstick; these substances do not usually spill into the urine and are an indication that more assessment is necessary.
- Specific gravity is checked.
- Collect urin either by a clean-catch method or catheterization from a diapered patient.
- An IV pyelogram aids in checking renal pelvic structures by X-ray following injection of contrast material (when describing the procedure to children, refer to the injected dye as “special medicine”).
- A voiding cystourethrogram aids in viewing the bladder and related structures during voiding, especially to detect strictures and reflux.
a. Contrast material is instilled in the bladder through a catheter.
b. The older child may be frightened or embarrassed by having the sensation of having urinated, caused by the contrast material. - Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, creatinine level, and glomerular filtration rate are also evaluated.
a. Creatinine clearance is the best measure of kidney function; it is the end product of energy metabolism from muscle so is relatively constant.
b. BUN is an index of glomerular filtration rate.
c. Glomerular filtration rate measures the amount of plasma from which a given substance is cleared in 1 minute.
Maintenance fluid requirements
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Maintenance fluid requirements are the water and electrolytes required to sustain the expenditure of normal physiologic activities.
- Maintenance fluid requirements are appropriate for use in term infants >2 weeks of age.
- The Holliday-Segar method of calculating maintenance fluids is as follows:
Daily version for # ml/day
Child’s weight in kg –> multiply by (ml/day) —> = Subtotal
* 1st 10 kg (0-10 kg) X 100 = A
* 2nd 10 kg (11-20 kg) X 50 = B
* Each additional kg (>20 kg) X 20 = C
* TOTAL –> A + B + C = X ml/day
Hourly version for # ml/hr
Child’s weight in kg –> multiply by (ml/hr) —> = Subtotal
* 1st 10 kg (0-10 kg) X 4 = A
* 2nd 10 kg (11-20 kg) X 2 = B
* Each additional kg (>20 kg) X 1 = C
* TOTAL –> A + B + C = X ml/hr
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Dehydration: Introduction
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Dehydration can occur from significantly decreased fluid intake or from loss of water and electrolytes via vomiting, diarrhea, or diaphoresis; in dehydration, fluid output usually exceeds intake.
- Expressed as a pergentage of body weight lost as water; dehydration can be severe enough to produce volume depletion, circulatory collapse, and shock.
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Isotonic dehydration is a deficiency of fluid and electrolytes in approximately equal proportions with a normal serum sodium of 135 to 145 mEq/L.
a. 15% isotonic dehydration in the infant is considered severe.
b. 9% loss in the older child is considered severe. -
In hypotonic dehydration, electrolyte loss is greater than fluid loss with a decreased serum Na < 135 mEq/L, causing extracellular-to-intracellular movement of water that results in cerebral edema and seizures.
a. Can be caused by watering down infant formula; water intoxiction -
In hypertonic dehydration, fluid loss is greater than electrolyte loss with a serum Na >145 mEq/L, causign intracellular-to-extracellular movement of water that results in neurologic changes, such as confusion, inability to concentrate, and motor tremors.
a. Can be caused by excessive sweating, diabetes insipidus, ketoacidosis
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Dehydration: Assessment
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Assess the quality and quantity of fluid intake and output.
a. Intake may be greater than output but insufficient to meet the body’s needs.
b. Water may be lost in stool or vomiting; may also be lost through sweating, secretions, or draingage. - Note decreased urine output and concentrated urine.
- Note a sudden weight loss.
- Assess for dry skin with poor tissue turgor; assess for a sunken fontanel in the infant.
- Assess for a decrease in tears and saliva, dry mucous membranes, sunken and soft eyeballs, and thirst.
- Note pale cool skin with poor perfusion, cool extremities, decreased body temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension.
- Note lethargy, irritability, and a high-pitched, weak cry.
- Note feeding behavior to identify when vomiting or diarrhea occurs in relation to meals, if anorexia exists, or if the child feeds vigorously after vomiting.
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Dehydration: Interventions
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Record hourly all stools, vomitus, and urine.
a. Note the amount, color, consistency, concentration, time, and relation to meals or stress.
b. Note the results of specific gravity and other values from urine dipstick tests. - Promote fluid intake
- Provide mouth care
- Provide skin care; turn the child every 2 hours, if necessary and keep the extremities warm.
- Measure intake and output carefully.
a. Weigh diapers and record fluids used to take medications.
b. Indicate the fluid lost by diaphoresis, suctioning, or other tubes. - Weigh the child using the same scale at the same time each day, with the child naked or wearing the same amount of clothing.
- Provide rest
- Monitor for and prevent shock
- If vomiting, use IV replacement of fluids; provide sucking stimulation to the young infant.
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For mild to moderate dehydration, use oral rehydration therapy, such as Pedialyte/ for severe dehydration, provide IV fluid resuscitation at 20 ml/ kg IV bolus of normal saline or Ringers Lactate.
a. Administer oral rehydration replacement (with pedialyte) of 2-5 ml every 2-3 minutes or 5-10 ml every 5 minutes
b. Non-carbonated soda can be used for older children - When restarting fluids for the older child, begin with flat non-caffinated soda; do not give solutions with a high sodium content, such as milk or broth; offer bland food.
- Note that any increase in ambient heat or water loss requires greater fluid intake to meet hydration needs.
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Acid-base balance
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Acid-bse balance is regulated by the renal, respiratory, and hematologic systems. pH is determined by the kidneys’ regulation of HCO3 (acid buffer/base) and the lung’s regulation of CO2 (acid).
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Important values to consider when assessing acid-base balance are:
a. Normal serum pH for the child is 7.35 to 7.45.
(1) pH < 7.35 is acidosis (net loss of HCO3 or gain of CO2)
(2) pH > 7.45 is alkalosis (net gain of HCO3 or loss of CO2)
b. Normal serum HCO3 for the child is 22-26 mEq/L.
c. Normal PaO2 for the child is 80-100 mmHg.
d. Normal serum PaCO2 for the child is 35-45 mmHg. -
Always look at the pH first to determine if it is normal.
a. If the pH is normal, the child’s body may have compensated for the altered acid-base.
b. If the pH is abnormal, the acid-base balance is uncompenstated. - Next look at the CO2; if abnormal, it usually indicates a respiratory cause.
- Next look at the HCO3; if abnormal, it usually indicates a metabolic cause.
- Disturbances in acid-base balance can be pulmonary or metabolic in origin.
a. Acidosis is the decrease in the normal physiologic pH (pH< 7.35).
(1) Respiratory acidosis is reflected by an increase in PaCO2 > 45.
(1a) Respiratory arrest will cause a build-up of CO2 in the blood, since the person is not “blowing it off.”
(2) Metabolic acidosis is reflected by a decrease in HCO3 < 22.
(2a) Due to diarrhea (due to loss of HCO3 in stool), increased acid ingestion (as in aspirin poisoning), increased acid production (as in diabetic ketoacidosis), or decreased production of bicarbonate by the kidney (as in kidney failure).
(2b) Alkalosis is an increase in the normal physiologic pH (pH > 7.45).
(2b1) Respiratory alkalosis is reflected by a decreased PaCO2 < 35, as seen in hyperventilation.
(2b2) Metabolic alkalosis is reflected by an increase in HCO3 > 26, as seen in increased production of bicarbonate by the kidneys; also seen in vomiting due to loss of acid-containing stomach contents.
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Aspirin poisoning: An example of metabolic acidosis
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits platelet aggregation.
- The normal dose is 1 grain per year of age, up to age 10; toxicity occurs at 200 mg/kg. [Note: 5 grains = 325mg]
- The body compensates for increased carbonic acid production by increasing the respiratory rate to blow off the excess CO2
Assessment
1. Observe for an increased respiratory rate from metabolic acidosis.
2. Note fever from stimulation of carbohydrate metabolism.
3. Note decreased blood glucose levels.
4. Note altered clotting function; assess for petechiae and blood loss.
5. Check for irritability, restlessness, and tinnitus or altered hearing.
Interventions
1. Maintain a patent airway; support hyperventilation.
2. Perform gastric lavage.
3. Ensure adequate hydration to flush the aspirin through the kidneys.
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Intravenous Fluid Administration Pearls
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
- Potassium should not be added to the fluids of a dehydrated patient until they have voided.
- In children who require fluid volume resucitation, use an isotonic fluid (normal saline solution or Lactated Ringer).
- Any solution with dextrose in it is hypertonic, except for D5W.
- Dextrose is contraindicated in patients who have diabetic ketoacidosis and who are on a ketogenic diet.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Renal, GI, Repro Conditions
Introduction
1. A microbial invasion of the urinarty tract, UTI is more common in females because of the placement and size of the urethra.
a. Bladder infection = cystitis
b. Urethra infection = urethritis
c. Kidney infection = pyelonephritis
2. UTI also may be caused by reflux, irritation by bubble baths, poor hygiene, or incomplete bladder emptying.
3. The child has a short urethra.
a. Organisms can be easily transmitted into the bladder.
b. The female urethra is closer to the rectum than the male’s, posing a greater risk of contamination by incorrect wiping after a bowel movement.
4. Vesiculoureteral reflux is when the urine enters the bladder and then refluxes back up the ureters to the kidneys, leading to both inflammation of the ureters and the kidneys.
Assessment
1. Assess the quantity, quality, and frequency of voiding.
2. Note that a clean-catch urine culture will yield large amounts of bacteria.
3. Assess urine for being cloudy and foul-smelling; assess for hematuria and increased urine pH.
4. Ask about a frequent urge to void with pain or burning on urination.
5. Note low-grade fever, lethargy, and poor feeding patterns.
6. Ask about abdominal pain.
7. Assess for enuresis.
8. Assess toileting habits for proper front-to-back wiping and proper hand washing.
9. Assess bathing habits for tub baths or bubble baths.
10. Assess the number of urinary infections per year; UTIs may recur.
Interventions
1. Admin an antibiotic
2. Force fluids to flush the infection from the urinary tract (100 ml/kg/day); clear fluids are best; avoid carbonated or caffinated drinks and chocolate, as they can irritate the bladder mucosa.
3. Teach proper toileting hygiene; encourage the child to use the toilet every 2 hours.
4. Discourage the use of tub baths and bubble baths.