Kidney Functions and Filtration Processes

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of ultrafiltration in the kidneys?

To buffer the acid concentrate

To remove wastes

To push fluid through a semipermeable membrane using pressure (correct)

To drag solutes across the membrane

Osmosis involves fluid moving from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

False

What is hyperkalemia and what is one of its symptoms?

Hyperkalemia is when potassium levels are greater than 5.5 and can cause muscle weakness.

______ buffers the acid concentrate in the dialysate solution.

Bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conditions with their potassium levels:

Hyperkalemia = > 5.5 Hypokalemia = < 3.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the movement of solutes dragged across a semipermeable membrane along with fluid?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common underlying cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

Patients with dry, itchy skin should use regular soaps and lotions for hydration.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is uremia?

A buildup of waste in the blood due to kidney failure. Signup and view all the answers

A common infectious complication in hemodialysis patients is __________ infections.

bacterial vascular access Signup and view all the answers

Match the following kidney conditions with their characteristics:

CKD = Irreversible kidney damage AKI = Acute kidney failure that can be reversible Hypertension = Most common cause of fluid overload Anemia = Due to lack of erythropoietin Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the kidney's endocrine functions?

Vitamin D activation occurs in the kidneys. Signup and view all the answers

The life span of red blood cells in dialysis patients is longer than normal.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with peripheral neuropathy avoid?

Walking barefoot. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of normal kidney function is replaced through hemodialysis?

15% Signup and view all the answers

The inflammation of the membrane around the heart is called __________.

pericarditis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ultrafiltration and Kidney Functions

Ultrafiltration uses pressure to push fluid through a semipermeable membrane.
Convection drags solutes across the membrane with fluid movement.
Diffusion involves particle movement from high to low concentration areas.
Osmosis is fluid movement from low to high concentration areas.
Kidneys normalize electrolytes, remove waste, and maintain fluid and acid-base balance.

Replacement of Excretory Functions

Acid concentrate establishes concentration gradients for efficient diffusion.
Bicarbonate buffers acid concentrate to normalize body pH in patients' blood.
Only 15% of normal kidney function is replaced by hemodialysis.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Hyperkalemia occurs with potassium > 5.5, presenting symptoms like muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms.
Hypokalemia occurs with potassium < 3.5, with symptoms including fatigue, paralysis, and potential respiratory failure.

Endocrine Functions of Kidneys

Kidneys secrete renin, erythropoietin, and activate vitamin D.
Normal endocrine functions are replaced with medications.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Impact

Uremia is the accumulation of waste due to kidney failure.
Common causes of CKD include diabetes, hypertension, and polycystic kidney disease.
Symptoms of fluid imbalance: hypertension, edema, shortness of breath.

Sodium balance affects blood volume, cardiac output, and blood pressure.
Left ventricular hypertrophy can result from prolonged fluid overload and hypertension.

Skin and Peripheral Neuropathy Care

Dry, itchy skin should be treated with hyper-fatted soaps and lotions.
Patients with peripheral neuropathy should avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries.

Cardiac Complications

Left ventricular hypertrophy increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias.
Pericarditis, inflammation of the heart membrane, is treated by adjusting heparin doses and increasing dialysis.

Anemia in Dialysis Patients

Patients often develop anemia due to shorter red blood cell lifespan (60 days compared to 120 days).
Primary anemia cause is erythropoietin deficiency, manageable with appropriate dosing and blood line rinsing.

CKD-Mineral Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD)

Key elements: calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D.
Symptoms include soft tissue calcification, muscle weakness, and increased fracture risk.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Causes

Pre-renal causes: obstruction, volume depletion, impaired cardiac function.
Intra-renal causes: ischemic acute tubular necrosis (ATN), sepsis, drug reactions, glomerulonephritis.
Post-renal causes: obstruction, bladder rupture, complications from pregnancy.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Eliminating AKI causes may restore kidney function, unlike with CKD.
Patients with dialysis catheters require specialized care to prevent infections.
Avoid nephrotoxic substances such as certain contrast agents and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Monitoring and Safety Protocols

Patients’ weight and blood pressure indicate excess fluid for kidney filtering.
AKI patients face increased risks of hypovolemia and hypotension.
OSHA mandates safe working conditions; CMS focuses on patient care and safety.

Infection Control in Dialysis

V-Tags outline regulations for infection control practices.
Soap and water are the only acceptable hand hygiene for C. diff patients.
Hemodialysis patients frequently experience MRSA infections and other vascular access complications.

Equipment and Dialysis Parameters

Dialysis machine alarms must be tested before each treatment.
Dialysate pH should be maintained between 6.9 and 7.6; conductivity values must range around 0.4.
Bleach testing is necessary post-disinfection before equipment use.

Dialysate and Treatments

Total proportion of dialysate used in treatments is 45X.
Standard potassium levels in dialysate concentrates are 2.0 K+ and 3.0 K+.
Glomeruli function similarly to the semipermeable membranes in dialyzers, crucial for waste removal such as BUN and creatinine.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental processes of ultrafiltration, convection, diffusion, and osmosis as they relate to kidney functions. It also explores the kidneys' role in maintaining electrolyte balance and removing waste. Test your knowledge on these critical excretory functions and their mechanisms.