Kidney Basics
This chronic condition is one of the major risk factors for developing CKD.
What is hypertension?
This value estimates how effectively the kidneys filter blood.
What is eGFR?
This assessment is one of the most sensitive indicators of short-term fluid status.
What is daily weight?
This measurement provides important information about renal function and elimination in AKI.
What is urine output?
This common over-the-counter pain medication class can contribute to kidney injury.
What is NSAIDs?
This metabolic disease is one of the leading causes of CKD.
What is diabetes mellitus?
A rising level of this waste product is commonly associated with declining kidney function.
What is creatinine?
Edema, crackles, hypertension, and rapid weight gain indicate this fluid imbalance.
What is fluid volume excess?
Who should the nurse assess first: mild ankle edema or K+ 6.7 mEq/L with peaked T waves?
What is the patient with K+ 6.7 mEq/L and peaked T waves?
A patient says, “It’s over-the-counter, so it must be safe for my kidneys.” What class should the nurse discuss?
What is NSAIDs?
Name two modifiable behaviors that can help reduce a patient’s risk of kidney disease.
What is controlling BP/glucose, healthy weight, exercise, avoiding tobacco, or avoiding unnecessary nephrotoxic medications?
An AKI patient has potassium of 6.4 mEq/L. Why is this particularly concerning?
What is risk for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias?
A CKD patient has a prescribed fluid restriction. Name two nursing interventions to help manage it.
What is monitor I&O;, distribute fluids throughout the day, ice chips if allowed, or thirst-management strategies?
CKD patient has increasing daily weight, crackles, and worsening edema. What should the nurse do first?
What is assess respiratory status and oxygenation while addressing suspected fluid overload?
A patient taking an ACE inhibitor should have these two laboratory values monitored.
What is creatinine and potassium?
Several days of vomiting and diarrhea, low BP, and decreased urine output. This type of AKI results from decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
What is prerenal AKI?
Advanced CKD with fatigue, nausea, confusion, and elevated BUN may indicate this condition.
What is uremia?
A patient says, “Sea salt is okay because it doesn’t contain sodium.” What should the nurse say?
What is sea salt still contains sodium and should count toward sodium intake?
After interventions intended to improve renal perfusion, what finding best indicates the plan is working?
What is improving urine output with stable or improving renal laboratory values?
Why might a medication primarily eliminated by the kidneys require dose adjustment in CKD?
What is reduced renal clearance can cause medication accumulation and toxicity?
Explain why uncontrolled hypertension can eventually lead to CKD.
What is chronic high blood pressure damages renal blood vessels and glomeruli, progressively reducing kidney function?
AKI with K+ 6.8 mEq/L and peaked T waves. Identify the electrolyte problem and major complication.
What is hyperkalemia and a potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmia?
AKI with urine output 15 mL/hr, edema, crackles, and a 2-kg weight gain. What is the priority concern?
What is fluid volume excess with possible pulmonary edema?
Four patients are assigned. Who should you see first? CKD fatigue; AKI K+ 6.7 with peaked T waves; CKD 1+ edema; elevated BUN without acute symptoms.
What is the patient with K+ 6.7 mEq/L and peaked T waves?
A CKD patient brings prescription drugs, OTC medications, and supplements. What intervention best promotes medication safety?
What is medication reconciliation to identify nephrotoxic drugs, interactions, and renal-dose adjustments?