Functions of the Kidney

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary precautions for women to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Engage in pelvic floor exercises regularly

Void immediately after sexual intercourse (correct)

Limit the intake of dairy products

Avoid drinking water close to bedtime

What should be done if bacteria continue to appear in the urine during treatment?

Increase fluid intake and hydration

Immediately stop all medications

Consider long-term antimicrobial therapy (correct)

Consult a dietitian for dietary changes

Which clinical manifestation is commonly associated with acute pyelonephritis?

Poor appetite

Low back pain and flank pain (correct)

Excessive thirst

Weight loss

What is a typical symptom of chronic pyelonephritis when not in acute exacerbation?

Fatigue and headache Signup and view all the answers

What method can be recommended for urine acidification to help prevent recurrent infections?

Daily intake of 1000 mg of ascorbic acid Signup and view all the answers

What role do the kidneys play in regulating blood pH?

They secrete H+ and conserve bicarbonate HCO3-. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is a waste product excreted by the kidneys?

Urea Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity of the urinary bladder when full?

700-800 ml Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is produced by the kidneys to regulate red blood cell production?

Erythropoietin Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure transports urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

Ureters Signup and view all the answers

When the urinary bladder is empty, its shape resembles which of the following?

A deflated balloon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ions is NOT regulated by the kidneys?

Iron (Fe) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process by which urine is expelled from the urinary bladder?

Micturition Signup and view all the answers

Which urologic symptoms can confuse the diagnosis of other disorders?

Appendicitis and cholecystitis Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to palpate the right kidney?

Place one hand under the patient’s back and the other palm anterior to the kidney Signup and view all the answers

What indicates incomplete bladder emptying during a physical examination?

Dullness to percussion of the bladder after voiding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a urinalysis and urine cultures?

To document UTI and identify the specific organism present Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a major criterion for UTI in a clean-catch midstream specimen?

At least 105 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter of urine Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of urine examinations?

Urine temperature Signup and view all the answers

What does the renal concentration test evaluate?

The kidneys' ability to concentrate solutes in urine Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with anemia of chronic disease?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What role do the kidneys play in regulating blood pressure?

They influence fluid balance. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys?

Antidiuretic hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is considered oliguria in terms of urine output?

Less than 500 mL in 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the presence of white blood cells in the urine?

Pyuria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nephron in the kidneys?

Formation of urine Signup and view all the answers

What is a common parameter used to assess urinary tract function?

Urine specific gravity Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is indicated by the presence of red blood cells in urine?

Hematuria Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight range of an average adult kidney?

113 to 170 g Signup and view all the answers

Where are the kidneys located in the body?

Retroperitoneally on the posterior wall of the abdomen Signup and view all the answers

Which type of urine output indicates total urine output less than 50 mL in a 24-hour period?

Anuria Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT a contributing factor to urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Liver disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary bacterium responsible for causing uncomplicated lower UTIs?

Escherichia coli Signup and view all the answers

What role does Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) play in preventing UTIs?

It forms a water barrier preventing adherence of bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which urinary tract structure is generally responsible for maintaining sterility?

Urine efflux Signup and view all the answers

How do complications from untreated UTIs affect the kidneys?

They lead to permanent kidney damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is at a higher risk for cystitis due to anatomical features?

Women, due to shorter urethra Signup and view all the answers

Which urinary tract infection classification refers to infections that occur in patients with urologic abnormalities?

Complicated UTI Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism involves the normal bacterial flora of the vagina and urethra in the prevention of UTIs?

Inhibiting adherence of pathogenic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kidney Functions

Regulation of various ions in blood: sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-), and phosphate (HPO4^2-).
Adjusts blood volume by controlling urine output.
Maintains blood pH by secreting hydrogen ions (H+) and conserving bicarbonate (HCO3-).
Produces hormones: Calcitriol (for calcium homeostasis) and Erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production).
Excretes nitrogenous wastes like ammonia, urea, and creatinine, as well as certain drugs.

Ureters and Bladder

Ureters are 10 to 12 inches long and transport urine from kidneys to urinary bladder.
Urinary bladder capacity ranges from 700 to 800 ml; shape changes based on urine volume.
Female bladder is smaller due to the uterus occupying space above it.
Micturition (urination) involves both voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions.

Urethra

The urethra is the passageway for urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.
In males, urethra also transports semen.

Common Terminologies

Aldosterone: Hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in kidneys.
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Hormone that promotes water reabsorption, also known as vasopressin.
Anuria: Urine output less than 50 mL in 24 hours.
Creatinine: Waste product from muscle energy metabolism; key in renal function tests.
Diuresis: Increased production of urine.
Dysuria: Painful urination.
Hematuria: Presence of red blood cells in urine.
Nephron: Basic unit of kidney responsible for urine formation.

Diagnostic Procedures

Urinalysis: Used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) and assess various urine components like color, clarity, pH, and specific gravity.
Renal Function Tests: Assess kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine and identify underlying conditions like congenital anomalies or bladder obstruction.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Divided into lower UTIs (e.g., urethritis, cystitis) and upper UTIs (e.g., pyelonephritis).
Caused mainly by Escherichia coli; sexual activity increases risk of cystitis.
Complications can involve permanent kidney damage due to untreated infections.
Preventive measures include immediate post-intercourse urination and possibly taking vitamin C or cranberry juice.

Clinical Manifestations

Acute Pyelonephritis: Symptoms include fever, chills, leukocytosis, back pain, nausea, and painful urination.
Chronic Pyelonephritis: Symptoms may be minimal except during exacerbations, which can include fatigue, poor appetite, and weight loss.

Kidney Structure

Kidney shape: Bean-shaped, brownish-red; right kidney is lower due to liver position.
Located retroperitoneally from the 12th thoracic vertebra to the 3rd lumbar vertebra.
Average adult kidney weight ranges from 113 to 170 g.

Physical Examination Techniques

Palpation of kidneys is not standard; examination may reveal enlargement.
Dullness on bladder percussion post-voiding indicates incomplete emptiness.

Patient Care and Education

Importance of adherence to prescribed medications.
Follow-up appointments for recurrent UTIs are crucial to check bacterial presence.
Patients should be informed about signs of complications, like fever, requiring immediate medical attention.

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Description

Explore the essential functions of the kidneys, including their role in filtering blood and maintaining pH balance. This quiz covers the processes of tubular secretion, urine characteristics, and the regulation of ions and wastes. Test your knowledge of how kidneys contribute to homeostasis in the human body.