Unit 1 Flashcards
This organ is considered extremely vascular with an associated high risk for hemorrhage
** Blood volume circulates 12 times in one hour through this organ **
Kidneys
What are the functions of the kidneys?
** Remember A WET BED **
- A (Acid-base balance - excretes acidic substances/regulation of bicarbonate)
- W (Water balance - creating urine to excrete)
- E (Electrolyte balance - potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium)
- T (Toxin removal - Dialysis is needed if toxins can’t be removed)
- B (Blood pressure control - RAAS)
- E (Erythropoietin - stimulates bone marrow to create RBCs *anemia can occur with kidney dysfunction)
- D (Vitamin D metabolism - activates vitamin D for the body to use, which helps with calcium absorption)
What is the end goal of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)?
Increased BP and sodium/water retention
What kind of mechanism does RAAS act as?
RAAS acts as a negative feedback mechanism (once the end goal has been met, the process will stop).
What are the conditions that signal decreased tissue perfusion and activate RAAS?
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood volume
- Low blood sodium
- Low blood oxygen
Is urine output increased or decreased with RAAS?
Urine output is decreased due to water and sodium retention
What are the normal value ranges for serum creatinine?
Males: 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
Females: 0.4 - 1.0 mg/dL
What is the normal value range for serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
8 - 20 mg/dL
What is the normal value for BUN to creatinine ratio?
About 1:1
What is the normal value range for urine specific gravity?
1.005 - 1.025
What is the normal value range for creatinine clearance?
Varies based on age and gender
What is the normal value range for glomerular filtration range (GFR)?
90 - 120 mL/min
Which renal lab test is the best indicator of renal function/dysfunction?
Creatinine
- This lab value will follow and align with creatinine.
- Not as accurate at determining extent of kidney damage; other causes can make levels higher or lower (malnutrition can cause low levels)
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
This lab value helps in differentiating between prerenal and intrarenal causes of kidney dysfunction
BUN to creatinine ratio