Kidney Functions and Disorders Quiz

Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. This process helps to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes in the body and eliminates harmful substances.

Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid balance. When blood pressure is too high, the kidneys release substances that help to relax blood vessels and lower pressure.

Kidneys help to maintain the correct balance of acids and bases in the blood, a process known as acid-base balance. This balance is essential for the proper function of many body systems.

Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which is essential for red blood cell production. When kidney function is impaired, it can lead to anemia due to a deficiency of erythropoietin.

Kidneys help to activate vitamin D, which plays a vital role in calcium regulation. Impaired kidney function can lead to alterations in calcium levels, potentially causing bone problems.

Pre-renal failure occurs when the kidneys are damaged due to factors outside of the kidneys themselves, such as decreased blood flow or low blood pressure.

Intra-renal failure occurs when the damage is within the kidney itself, often caused by infections or autoimmune diseases.

Post-renal failure occurs when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract, preventing urine from draining from the kidneys.

A common problem faced by people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), where waste products accumulate in the body due to impaired kidney function.

A condition where the body's pH level is too low, typically due to a malfunctioning kidney's inability to regulate bicarbonate levels.

A lab test used to evaluate kidney function. It measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood.

A lab test that analyzes the different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can reveal anemia in CKD patients.

A condition that affects the kidney's ability to filter waste products and toxins from the blood, leading to fluid retention. It can be either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term).

The production of abnormally low amounts of urine, often a symptom of kidney dysfunction.

The complete absence of urine production, a serious sign of kidney failure.

A specific type of anemia that occurs in CKD patients due to the kidney's inability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone required for red blood cell production.

An injectable medication used to treat anemia in CKD patients by stimulating the production of red blood cells.

A sensation of pain in the lower back, often associated with inflammation or infection of the kidneys.

A condition characterized by fluid retention in the body, causing swelling and edema.

An imbalance of electrolytes in the body, often found in CKD patients due to impaired kidney function, leading to various symptoms.

A procedure that filters waste products from the blood when kidneys fail. This may involve removing extra fluid.

A yellowish-greenish discoloration of the skin, sometimes seen in CKD patients due to waste product accumulation.

A condition where the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is reduced, often a complication of kidney failure due to fluid overload.

A condition where potassium levels in the blood are elevated, often seen in people with kidney problems.

A group of tests that assess the health and function of the kidneys.

A measure of the kidneys' ability to filter blood, indicating how well they are functioning.

A blood test that checks for bacterial growth or the presence of microorganisms in the blood, often used to diagnose infections.

An infection of the kidneys that can spread from the urinary tract.

A laboratory test that analyzes urine for various substances like glucose, protein, red blood cells, ketones, and white blood cells.

A urine test that measures the concentration of substances in the urine, indicating the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine.

A test used to identify the type of bacteria causing a urinary tract infection.

A radiological imaging technique used to visualize the kidneys, often used to identify kidney stones or other abnormalities.

A type of radiological imaging that uses contrast dye to enhance visualization of the kidneys and urinary tract.

A medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

A procedure that uses a long, thin tube with a camera at the end to visualize the bladder and urethra.

A medical term meaning 'bladder'.

A condition where fluid builds up around the kidneys.

The process of discarding waste products from the body through urine.

A life-threatening infection that can rapidly spread to the kidneys.

This antibiotic is commonly used to treat kidney infections and should be administered after blood and urine cultures are taken.

A common early sign of infection in older adults, often manifesting as confusion or disorientation.

Trauma to the abdomen can increase the risk of kidney injury.

Minimum urine output required for adequate kidney function.

Kidney injuries can be caused by a variety of conditions like shock, medications, infections, or obstruction.

This category of kidney injury occurs when the problem arises before the kidneys, typically due to decreased blood flow.

Causes of pre-renal kidney injury include:

This category of kidney injury occurs when the problem originates within the kidney tissue itself.

Causes of intra-renal kidney injury include:

This category of kidney injury occurs when the problem originates after the kidneys, usually due to an obstruction in the urinary tract.

Causes of post-renal kidney injury include:

The first phase of acute kidney injury characterized by low urine output.

The defining characteristic of the oliguric phase.

When fluid volume overload occurs in the body.

A procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose cancer.

Bleeding after a kidney biopsy can be a complication. Nurses need to monitor for signs like a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and blood in the urine.

To minimize the risk of bleeding after a kidney biopsy, patients should avoid lifting heavy objects for about a week.

Medications that thin the blood, called anticoagulants, should be avoided after a kidney biopsy to prevent bleeding.

These tests evaluate the flow of urine from the bladder, providing information about bladder function.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage kidneys by reducing blood flow to them.

When kidneys sense low blood flow, they try to compensate by increasing blood pressure, but this actually makes the problem worse.

Uncontrolled hypertension is a common cause of chronic kidney disease because it damages the kidneys over time.

Nurses need to emphasize the importance of controlling high blood pressure to prevent kidney damage, even if patients are asymptomatic.

Patients with diabetes need to manage their blood sugar levels to prevent kidney complications.

Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to prevent kidney stones because it helps to dilute the salts that can form stones.

Breaking up kidney stones with shock waves is called lithotripsy.

People who don't drink enough fluids, have urinary catheters, or don't practice good hygiene are at risk of UTIs.

Drinking cranberry juice can help neutralize the bladder and reduce the risk of a UTI.

A condition where the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood efficiently, leading to fluid overload.

A symptom of AKI characterized by shortness of breath, often due to fluid buildup in the lungs.

A symptom of AKI characterized by swelling in the body, typically in the legs and feet, due to excess fluid retention.

Abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, often seen in AKI due to fluid dilution.

A condition where the brain's function is impaired, often due to factors like electrolyte imbalances or fluid overload.

The initial stage of AKI where fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances are the main concerns.

A type of medication that helps the body eliminate excess fluid through urine.

A medication used to treat hyperkalemia by shifting potassium from the blood into the cells.

A medication used to treat hyperkalemia by removing potassium from the body through the intestines.

The stage of AKI characterized by increased urine output as the kidneys begin to recover.

A measurement of vital signs taken while lying down and then standing up to assess for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

A palpable vibration felt over an arteriovenous fistula or graft, indicating good blood flow.

A palpable buzzing or humming sound heard over an arteriovenous fistula or graft, indicating turbulent blood flow.

A type of dialysis where blood is filtered outside the body using a machine.

A medication used to treat high phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease patients.

A condition that occurs when a patient has a severe reaction to dialysis, potentially leading to the development of antibodies against dialysis membranes.

The removal of extra fluid from the body during dialysis, potentially leading to low blood pressure.

A medication that helps to increase red blood cell production in patients with chronic kidney disease who are anemic.

A rapid breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of deep and shallow breaths, often seen in patients with metabolic acidosis.

When a patient's mental status changes due to kidney failure, it can manifest as confusion, disorientation, or altered levels of consciousness.

A medication administered to patients with CKD to help control high blood pressure and protect the kidneys.

A common complication of chronic kidney disease, characterized by a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

A type of dialysis where a catheter is placed in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen, allowing dialysis fluid to be infused and then drained, filtering waste products from the blood.

A type of medication used to treat anemia in kidney disease patients by stimulating the production of red blood cells.

A medication used to lower uric acid levels in the blood by reducing its production or increasing its excretion. It is often used to treat conditions such as gout and hyperuricemia.

A procedure that involves removing a small sample of kidney tissue to examine under a microscope. This is used to diagnose kidney diseases.

Potassium replacement should be done slowly, intravenously (IV), at no more than 10 milliequivalents per hour, diluted, and preferably through a central line.

During the diuretic phase of acute kidney injury, patients may experience low blood pressure. Medications like norepinephrine may need to be administered.

Acute kidney injury can lead to metabolic acidosis. Monitoring and correction of this imbalance is important.

In the recovery phase of acute kidney injury, lab values should return to normal, indicating potential for a full recovery. Failure to normalize lab values may lead to chronic kidney disease.

One potential complication of acute kidney injury is altered mental status, requiring fall precautions.

Acute kidney injury patients are at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, necessitating careful monitoring.

Seizures are a risk in acute kidney injury, particularly during the early oliguric and diuretic phases, due to sodium disturbances.

Fluid overload in acute kidney injury can impair gas exchange, leading to respiratory complications. Listen for crackles in the lungs and monitor oxygen saturation.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium) is a common complication of acute kidney injury and can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias.

The diuretic phase of acute kidney injury is characterized by fluid volume overload, necessitating close monitoring.

Urine output helps to determine the phase of acute kidney injury. Observe color, concentration, and quantity.

Muscle weakness, fatigue, and altered deep tendon reflexes can occur in acute kidney injury due to magnesium problems.

Dialysis is a treatment option for severe cases of acute kidney injury, but it is also used for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Dialysis catheters, used for hemodialysis, are critical for access to veins and arteries. Proper care, including dressing changes and infection prevention, is crucial.

Dialysis access (catheters, fistulas, or grafts) is essential for kidney patients. It is vital to avoid injury to these sites, as damage can be life-threatening.

In a dialysis fistula, a bruit (swishing sound) and thrill (vibratory sensation) are signs of good blood flow.

A diet that promotes kidney function and slows down kidney failure by restricting sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Patients on a renal diet should avoid salt substitutes due to the high potassium content in these products which can worsen kidney function.

Examples of foods that should be avoided in a renal diet include potatoes and tomatoes because they are high in potassium and phosphorus.

Medications given to patients with renal disease to regulate potassium levels when elevated.

Medications given to patients with renal disease to decrease high calcium levels in the body.

Medications given to patients with renal disease to lower elevated phosphate levels in the blood.

ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to manage blood pressure in patients with kidney disease, helping to prevent further damage.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a medication given to patients with kidney disease to increase the production of red blood cells and combat anemia.

Statins are lipid-lowering medications used to help reduce cholesterol levels in patients with kidney disease.

Daily weight monitoring helps to track fluid balance in dialysis patients, as fluid retention is a common concern in kidney disease.

Regular lab checks of potassium levels are essential in dialysis patients to monitor for potential electrolyte imbalances.

When dialysis patients experience high blood pressure, it is important to discuss medication adjustments with their nephrologist to maintain their health.

Dialysis catheters, fistulas, and AV grafts are all access points for dialysis. It's important to check them regularly for any signs of issues.

Sepsis is a serious condition that can occur in dialysis patients because of their compromised immune system. It happens when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream.

Altered mental status, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and temperature fluctuations are common signs of sepsis.