Anatomy & Physiology
This is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
What is the ureter?
Most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the U.S.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Dialysis that uses the patient’s peritoneum (abdominal lining/membrane) as a filter.
What is peritoneal dialysis (PD)?
Medication used to lower potassium in kidney patients.
What is a potassium binder (Veltassa or Lokelma)?
Patients should report these symptoms immediately to staff.
What are chest pain, sudden onset shortness of breath, or sudden weakness?
The basic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood.
What is the nephron?
Condition where high blood pressure damages the kidneys over time.
What is hypertensive nephropathy?
Hemodialysis is typically performed this many times per week.
What is three times per week?
Medication often given to treat anemia in CKD.
What is erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)?
Patients should rest for this long before checking their home blood pressure.
What is 5 minutes?
The kidneys help regulate blood pressure by producing this enzyme.
What is renin?
Autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the glomeruli.
What is glomerulonephritis?
Type of dialysis access created by connecting an artery to a vein.
What is an arteriovenous (AV) fistula?
Patients with CKD should avoid taking this common over-the-counter pain medicine.
What is ibuprofen (NSAIDs)?
Patients should limit salt (sodium) in their diet to help control this condition.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
This hormone, produced by the kidney, helps regulate blood cell production.
What is erythropoietin?
Inherited disorder causing multiple cysts in the kidneys.
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Hand hygiene is critical to prevent this in dialysis patients.
What is infection?
Drug given to manage hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients.
What are phosphate binders? Or What is Renvela (sevelamer), Velphoro, Auryxia?
Too much phosphorus in the diet can cause this complication.
What is bone weakness or bone disease?
Each kidney contains roughly this many nephrons.
What is 1 million?
Rapid decline in kidney function over days to weeks.
What is acute kidney injury (AKI)?
This is the main goal of dialysis.
What is removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood?
Medication that can reduce fluid overload in CKD.
What are diuretics?
Patients should bring this list with them to every appointment.
What is their medication list?