Renal Study Guide Flashcards
What is the anatomical span of the kidneys?
The kidneys span the distance between the 12th thoracic vertebra and 3rd lumbar vertebrae
The kidneys lie more _______.
Posterior
Which kidney is more frequently ectopic?
The right kidney is slightly lower than the left kidney, it is more prone to being ectopic
What connects the renal pelvis to the bladder?
The renal pelvis drains into the ureters into bladder
What is the functional unit of the kidney?
The functional unit of the kidneys is the nephrons
What are the three main functions of the nephrons?
The three main functions of the nephrons are:
* filtration
* secretion
* reabsorption
Where are the nephrons located within the kidney?
Nephrons are located within the renal cortex
True or False: Nephrons can regenerate.
False
The number of nephrons you have are _______.
constant from birth
How are GFR and BP related?
GFR and BP are directly related
If blood pressure increases, the GFR also increases.
What is a normal GFR?
125 ml/min
The kidneys produce and secrete _______ which helps regulate BP.
renin
What are two common agents used for functional renal imaging?
99mTc-MAG3 or 99mTc-DTPA
What are the most common agents used for morphologic renal imaging?
99mTc-GH or 99mTc-DSMA
What happens if the GFR is too high?
Some needed substances may pass through too quickly and are not absorbed into the body.
What does ACE stand for?
Angiotensin Converting Enzymes
List the four functions of Angiotensin II.
- Vasoconstriction: constricts arterioles of the kidneys to raise GFR
- Aldosterone: stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone which enhances reabsorption
- Thirst: acts on the thirst center to increase water intake
What is the best view for demonstrating a horseshoe kidney?
Anterior view
A neobladder made from a portion of the small bowel is called _______.
Dead loop
Angiotensin II through all its functions, has a (raises/lowers) BP.
Raises blood pressure
Kidney stones consist of _______.
Crystallized salts, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate
What is the ‘commercial’ name for MAG3?
Mertiatide
What does ERPF stand for?
Effective Renal Plasma Flow
If normal ERPF is about 600ml/min, what is the normal GFR?
120 ml/min
What is the ratio of GFR to ERPF?
20%
What is ERPF a measure of?
How effectively the kidneys remove a substance from the blood
Which statement is true: MAG3 is cleared from the body by glomerular filtration or by tubular secretion?
Both statements are true; MAG3 is mainly cleared by tubular secretion (80%)
How is DTPA removed from the kidneys?
DTPA is cleared from the kidneys by glomerular filtration. It is rapidly taken up and cleared by a normal kidney.
What are the dose ranges for DMSA and GH?
1-5 mCi for DMSA and 10-20 mCi for GH.
Absolute renal function typically refers to the _______.
GFR
List a few advantages of GH over DMSA.
- GH is a little more stable than DMSA
- Larger doses of GH permit better perfusion imaging
- GH allows quicker cortex imaging
What role would dehydration play in a patient undergoing a functional renal study?
Dehydration causes a delay in uptake in the kidneys and a delay in excretion of the kidneys.
How does Lasix administration during a renal scan help rule out or confirm an obstruction?
Lasix is a diuretic given to determine obstruction because a normal kidney will quickly excrete activity while an abnormal kidney (obstruction) will gradually increase in activity with no excretion.
What is an adult dose of Lasix and a pediatric dose?
An adult dose of Lasix is 40 mg and 1 mg/kg for a pediatric dose.
What is indicated by a clearance half-time of less than 10 minutes after furosemide injection in a diuretic renal imaging study?
dilated but unobstructed kidney
This suggests that the kidney is functioning but has dilation without obstruction.
What does a renogram with peak activity in the kidney at 3 to 5 minutes and decreasing to less than 50% by 20 minutes indicate?
suspect this to be normal
A normal renogram indicates proper kidney function and tracer uptake.
When should Lasix be administered during a renal scan?
15 minutes post injection
Timing is critical for assessing renal function accurately.
When do the maximum effects of Lasix occur?
15 minutes past injection
This timing is essential for evaluating the diuretic’s impact on kidney function.
What are the three phases of the time activity curve in renal imaging?
vascular, secretory, excretory
These phases represent different processes of kidney function.
Name two ACE-inhibitor medications used for ACE-inhibitor renography.
Captopril, Enalaprilat (Vasotec)
These medications are used to evaluate renal function through imaging.
What can morphologic renal imaging document?
CFR and ERPE
CFR refers to the cortical filtration rate, and ERPE refers to the excretory renal pelvis evaluation.
What should a technologist do when a patient is scheduled for an indirect cystogram?
prepare the tracer dose for intravenous injection
Proper preparation is crucial for the success of the imaging procedure.
What is the biggest advantage of Vasotec over Captopril in imaging?
Imaging can start after 10 minutes with Vasotec, while with Captopril, you have to wait 60 minutes
This advantage facilitates quicker diagnostic procedures.
What effects do ACE inhibitors have in an ACE inhibitor Renography?
They stop the production of Angiotensin I being converted to Angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction, thirst, aldosterone, and ADH effects
This results in lower blood pressure and decreased GFR.
How will a kidney affected by RAS appear on a nuclear scan after the administration of Vasotec or Captopril?
There will be a delayed washout of activity due to decreased glomerular filtration from reduced blood flow
This will show a delay in uptake and washout in the images.
What is the normal split renal function for each kidney?
Each kidney should contribute at least 50% with a deviation of no more than plus/minus 10%
This indicates balanced renal function between the kidneys.
True or False: Renal Cell carcinoma generally shows increased concentration of DMSA and GH compared with normal surrounding renal parenchyma.
False
Renal cell carcinoma may have reduced uptake due to loss of normal renal tissue function.
What should be visualized within 3 minutes on a normal renal scan?
The renal pelvis and collection system
What substance is traditionally used to determine the GFR by non-nuclear medicine techniques?
Creatinine/inulin
What is creatinine?
A waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue
What is inulin?
A polysaccharide that is filtered at the glomerulus but not metabolized by the body
Why is inulin not commonly used in clinical practice?
Due to practical difficulties
What is the simplest way to reduce exposure to the bladder after a radionuclide renal study?
Voiding regularly
What is the major factor that determines if a substance is filtered by the kidneys?
Molecular size
What is the purpose of renal imaging?
To differentiate between a dilated renal collecting system and an obstructed renal collecting system
What diuretic is used in renal imaging to assess the collecting system?
Lasix
What is 99TCM - Gluconeptonate used for?
Renal perfusion imaging
It is indicated for assessing kidney function.
What is the typical dose range for 99TCM - Gluconeptonate?
10-20 mCi
This range is used for optimal imaging results.
What imaging does 99TCM - Gluconeptonate facilitate?
Cortex imaging
It allows for quicker imaging of the renal cortex.
How is 99TCM - Gluconeptonate cleared from the body?
By GFR and tubular secretion
This indicates its elimination processes in the kidneys.
What is the effect of a bigger dose of 99TCM - Gluconeptonate?
Quicker cortex imaging
Higher doses can enhance the speed of imaging results.
What is 99TEm - ОТРА used for?
GFR assessment
It is used to evaluate kidney function and blood flow.
What is the typical dose range for 99TEm - ОТРА?
10-20 mCi
This dosage is standard for effective imaging.
What does GFR stand for?
Glomerular filtration rate
It is a key indicator of kidney function.
What does aqTEm - OMSA target in the kidneys?
Renal parenchyma
It assesses the functional aspects of the kidneys.
What is the typical dose range for aqTEm - OMSA?
1-5 mCi
This lower dose is used for specific imaging needs.
What does cortical imaging with aqTEm - OMSA involve?
GFR and tubular secretion
It evaluates both the filtration and secretion capabilities of the kidneys.
What does aqTEm - OMSA bind to?
Tubules
This binding is crucial for assessing kidney function.
Where does DSMA remain during imaging?
In the cortex
This retention allows for better visualization of renal structures.
What does I-131 or I-123-OIH refer to?
Radioactive isotopes used in renal imaging
I-131 and I-123-OIH are used in diagnostic procedures to evaluate kidney function.
What are renal tubules?
The structures in the kidneys that reabsorb water and nutrients
Renal tubules play a critical role in urine formation and electrolyte balance.
What does GFR stand for?
Glomerular Filtration Rate
GFR is a test used to check how well the kidneys are filtering blood.
What is 99mTc-MAG3?
A radiopharmaceutical used for renal imaging
99mTc-MAG3 is commonly used to assess renal function and blood flow.
What does renal function refer to?
The ability of the kidneys to filter blood and produce urine
Renal function is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and electrolyte balance.
What is the typical dosage range for 99mTc-MAG3 in renal imaging?
5 - 10 mCi
This dosage is standard for effective renal imaging without excessive radiation exposure.
True or False: MAG3 is retained by normal kidneys.
False
MAG3 is not retained by normal kidneys and is excreted in urine.
What is the relationship between GFR and renal tubules?
GFR + Tubules indicates the combined assessment of filtration and reabsorption
Understanding both GFR and tubule function is essential for evaluating overall renal health.
What does the body produce as waste from metabolizing nutrients?
CO2, excess H2O, and heat
What are the toxic nitrogenous wastes produced from protein catabolism?
NH3 (ammonia) and urea
What are examples of essential ion wastes?
- Na (sodium)
- Cl- (chloride)
- SO4 (sulfate)
- HPO4 (phosphate)
- H (hydrogen)
Which organ is primarily involved in eliminating water, nitrogenous wastes, some bacterial toxins, hydrogen, heat, and CO2?
Kidneys
What do the lungs primarily eliminate?
CO2, heat, and a little H2O
What substances does the skin eliminate?
Heat, H2O, CO2, salts, and urea
What does the GI tract eliminate?
Solid undigested wastes, CO2, H2O, salts, and heat
Fill in the blank: The body produces _______ from metabolizing nutrients.
CO2, excess H2O, and heat
True or False: The kidneys are involved in eliminating heat.
True
What are the waste products of protein catabolism?
NH3 (ammonia) and urea
What are the kidneys?
Paired reddish organs shaped like kidney beans
Kidneys are essential organs in the body that filter blood and produce urine.
Where are the kidneys located?
Just above the waist (posterior)
The kidneys are positioned in the retroperitoneal space.
How long and wide are the kidneys?
4-5 inches long, 2-3 inches wide, 1 inch thick
This size can vary slightly between individuals.
What is the hilus of the kidney?
Indentation where ureters, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels enter and exit
The hilus is crucial for the kidney’s vascular and urinary connections.
What is the first part of the kidney?
Capsule
The capsule is the outer layer that surrounds and protects the kidney.
What does the renal capsule do?
Directly covers the kidney
It provides structural support and protection.
What is the second part of the kidney?
Cortex
The cortex is the outer reddish area of the kidney.
What is contained in the cortex?
Blood vessels and renal tubules
The cortex plays a key role in filtering blood and forming urine.
What is the third part of the kidney?
Medulla
The medulla is the inner region of the kidney.
What structures are found in the medulla?
8-18 cone-shaped renal pyramids
These pyramids are essential for urine collection and transportation.
What are renal pyramids?
Cone-shaped structures within the medulla
Renal pyramids contain blood vessels and tubules that extend from the cortex.
How do renal tubules relate to renal pyramids?
They start in the cortex and extend to the pyramids
This connection is vital for urine formation and flow.
What is the part of the kidneys that collects urine drained from the calyx?
Pelvis
The pelvis is located at the ends of the calyx.
What structure drains urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder?
Ureters
Ureters are located at the medial surface of the kidney.
What is the blood supply to the kidneys?
Renal arteries
The right and left renal arteries bring 1200 ml/min of blood to the kidneys.
What is the functional unit of the kidneys?
Nephron
Nephrons have three main functions: filtration, secretion, and reabsorption.
What are the three main functions of the nephron?
- Filtration
- Secretion
- Reabsorption
Filtration removes substances from blood, secretion adds substances to the calyx, and reabsorption returns substances to the blood.
Where are nephrons located?
Renal cortex
Afferent arterioles bring blood to the nephrons, which are located in the renal cortex.
Fill in the blank: The kidneys have a good _______ supply because they filter the blood.
blood
This indicates the importance of the kidneys in blood filtration.
True or False: Blood exits the kidneys through renal arteries.
False
Blood exits through renal veins, not arteries.
What is the flow of blood in the kidneys starting from the renal arteries?
- Renal arteries
- Afferent arterioles
- Nephrons
- Renal veins
This flow highlights how blood is processed within the kidneys.
What is the role of afferent arterioles in the kidneys?
Bring blood to the nephrons
Afferent arterioles are crucial for supplying blood to the functional units of the kidneys.
What is the primary function of nephrons?
Nephrons filter substances out of the blood
This process starts in the renal cortex and continues in the tubules of the renal pyramids.
Where does reabsorption take place in the nephron?
Reabsorption takes place in both the cortex and pyramids
Some substances get reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.
What occurs at the end of the renal pyramids?
Secretion of urine occurs
Urine produced is secreted from the nephrons into the calyx.
Are the number of nephrons constant throughout a person’s life?
Yes, the number of nephrons is constant from birth
Nephrons will get larger, but new ones are not created. If damaged, other nephrons can take up the load.
What compensatory mechanism occurs if one kidney is removed?
The other kidney will compensate
Eventually, the two original kidneys will adapt to the loss.
What is the first step in producing urine?
Glomerular filtration
This involves forcing fluids and dissolved substances of the blood through glomerular capillaries.
What is the fluid called that results from glomerular filtration?
Filtrate
It enters the nephron with all the dissolved substances.
What is the source of pressure that drives glomerular filtration?
The pressure of blood
This pressure forces fluids and dissolved substances through the glomerular capillaries.
What is the normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
125 ml/min
Normal GFR indicates healthy kidney function.
How much urine enters the nephrons each day?
180 liters
This amount reflects the total filtrate produced by the kidneys.
What is the typical amount of urine excreted from the kidneys each day?
1-2 liters
This is the volume of urine that is actually eliminated from the body.
What happens to GFR if blood pressure drops?
GFR drops
A decrease in blood pressure can impair kidney function.
What may occur if GFR is too high?
Some needed substances may pass through quickly and not be absorbed
High GFR can lead to nutrient loss in urine.
What is the consequence of a low GFR?
Wastes may not be excreted
Low GFR can lead to accumulation of waste products in the body.
What is the role of renin in the Angiotensin I pathway?
Renin acts on Angiotensinogen to produce Angiotensin I
Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidneys that regulates blood pressure.
What do the liver produce related to the Angiotensin I pathway?
Angiotensinogen
Angiotensinogen is a plasma protein that is converted to Angiotensin I.
What converts Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II?
Angiotensin Converting Enzymes
This conversion is crucial for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
Fill in the blank: The filtrate that forms in all the _______ is crucial for kidney function.
nephrons
True or False: A normal GFR indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
False
A normal GFR is a sign of healthy kidney function.
What is angiotensin II?
A peptide hormone that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
What is one of the primary functions of angiotensin II?
Vasoconstriction
Constricts arterioles of the kidneys to raise GFR.
How does angiotensin II affect aldosterone secretion?
Stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone.
What effect does aldosterone have on the kidneys?
Enhances absorption of Na.
What is the result of increased sodium absorption due to aldosterone?
Increases blood volume, blood pressure (BP), and GFR.
How does angiotensin II influence thirst?
Acts on the thirst center to increase water intake.
What is the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in relation to angiotensin II?
Stimulates the release of ADH, causing kidneys to retain water.
What role do the kidneys play in blood pressure regulation?
They have the ability to raise and lower BP.