Unit 1 Flashcards

1
Q

This organ is considered extremely vascular with an associated high risk for hemorrhage

** Blood volume circulates 12 times in one hour through this organ **

A

Kidneys

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the functions of the kidneys?

** Remember A WET BED **

A
  • 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)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the end goal of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)?

A

Increased BP and sodium/water retention

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What kind of mechanism does RAAS act as?

A

RAAS acts as a negative feedback mechanism (once the end goal has been met, the process will stop).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the conditions that signal decreased tissue perfusion and activate RAAS?

A
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood volume
  • Low blood sodium
  • Low blood oxygen
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Is urine output increased or decreased with RAAS?

A

Urine output is decreased due to water and sodium retention

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the normal value ranges for serum creatinine?

A

Males: 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
Females: 0.4 - 1.0 mg/dL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the normal value range for serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?

A

8 - 20 mg/dL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the normal value for BUN to creatinine ratio?

A

About 1:1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the normal value range for urine specific gravity?

A

1.005 - 1.025

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the normal value range for creatinine clearance?

A

Varies based on age and gender

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the normal value range for glomerular filtration range (GFR)?

A

90 - 120 mL/min

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which renal lab test is the best indicator of renal function/dysfunction?

A

Creatinine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q
  • 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)
A

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

This lab value helps in differentiating between prerenal and intrarenal causes of kidney dysfunction

A

BUN to creatinine ratio

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

This lab value is an indicator of how concentrated the urine is.

A

Urine specific gravity

17
Q
  • This lab value requires a 24-hour urine sample
  • Indicates how effective the kidneys are at filtering out creatinine.
  • Can be used to estimate the GFR
A

Creatinine clearance

18
Q

This lab value indicates how quickly the kidneys are filtering.
** Values will be decreased in those with kidney damage

A

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

19
Q
  • Occurs when there’s an excess of crystal-forming substances that can’t be dissolved in urine

Contributing Factors:
- Disturbances in urinary pH
- Low urine volume
- Decreased fluid intake
- Dietary factors

A

Urolithiasis

20
Q

What are the most common types of stones with urolithiasis?

A

Calcium oxalate
Calcium phosphate

21
Q

Stones in this area of the renal system are usually asymptomatic and cause no obstruction to urine flow

A

Renal pelvis

22
Q

Stones in this area of the renal system cause:
- increased pressure
- spasms of the smooth muscle lining
- distension of walls
- renal colic
- nausea/vomiting

A

Ureter

23
Q

Stones in this area of the renal system cause:
- frequent/painful urination
- chronic discomfort
- hydronephrosis
- a decrease in renal function
- pyelonephritis

A

Bladder

24
Q

Which dietary factors can contribute to urolithiasis?

A
  • Too much calcium
  • High animal protein in the diet
25
Q

How does gout contribute to urolithiasis?

A

The increase of uric acid contributes to the formation of stones

26
Q

What are the four types of stones with urolithiasis?

A
  • Calcium (oxalate and phosphate)
  • Struvite
  • Uric acid
  • Cystine
27
Q

Which stones are seen in cases of infection (UTI)?

A

Struvite

28
Q

What is the term for the pain that is experienced with urolithiasis?

A

Renal colic

29
Q

Which type of diagnostic imaging test is needed to diagnose urolithiasis?

A

Non-contrast CT
** contrast damages the kidneys - if contrast is needed, adequate fluids need to be given before and after CT **

30
Q

What other diagnostic tests are needed with urolithiasis?

A
  • Blood work: hemoglobin and hematocrit levels will be low due to the sharp stones causing bleeding through the urinary tract.
  • BUN and creatinine levels will be elevated (assesses damage to the kidneys)
  • Electrolyte levels: kidney function is disrupted, causing fluctuations in the electrolyte levels
  • UA: hematuria, nitrates, leukocytes
31
Q

What are the nursing interventions for patients with urolithiasis?

A
  • Pain assessment/control
  • Encourage fluid intake: patients should intake 3-4 L/day to help flush the stones
  • Strain the urine: stones need to be strained and sent to the lab to determine the cause.
  • Ambulation: helps with the movement of stones
32
Q
A