KIDNEY FUNCTION
What are the three main processes involved in urine formation?
Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion.
What is the most common pathogen causing UTIs?
Escherichia coli (E. coli).
What are kidney stones made of, and who is more likely to get them?
75% are calcium oxalate; more common in men (11%) than women (7%)
What is glomerulonephritis and who is most affected?
It’s inflammation of the glomeruli, often affecting children after a streptococcal throat infection
What are the three types of acute renal failure and their etiology?
Prerenal (blood flow issues), Intrarenal (kidney tissue damage), Postrenal (urinary obstruction)
How does the kidney regulate blood pressure?
Through the renin-angiotensin system: angiotensinogen is converted to angiotensin I, then to angiotensin II, which causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure.
What are the differences between upper and lower UTIs?
Lower UTIs affect the bladder, urethra, and prostate; upper UTIs affect the kidneys and renal pelvis.
What imaging technique is used to confirm kidney stones?
KUB X-ray (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder)
What are two hallmark signs of acute glomerulonephritis?
Hematuria and proteinuria
What are the four phases of acute renal failure?
Onset, Oliguric, Diuretic, and Recovery phases
What is the role of erythropoietin in kidney function?
It stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen levels in renal blood flow.
What are common symptoms of a lower UTI?
Dysuria, burning, frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence, suprapubic discomfort, and hematuria
What are the hallmark symptoms of kidney stones?
Hematuria, fever, chills, pyuria, abdominal discomfort, and severe flank pain (renal colic)
What lab findings are typical in glomerulonephritis?
Elevated BUN and creatinine, decreased GFR, increased ASO titer, and hypoalbuminemia
What electrolyte imbalances are common in acute renal failure?
Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and anemia
What is the difference between osmolarity and osmolality?
Osmolarity refers to solute concentration per liter of solution, while osmolality refers to solute concentration per kilogram of solvent.
Why are older adults at higher risk for UTIs?
Due to factors like poor hygiene, estrogen deficiency, prostate disease, and comorbidities; UTIs are a common cause of sepsis in the elderly
What are two common treatments for kidney stones?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy
What is the gold standard for diagnosing glomerulonephritis?
Renal biopsy
What are key prevention strategies for acute kidney injury (AKI)?
Adequate hydration, avoiding nephrotoxins, monitoring renal labs, and preventing infections
How do kidneys contribute to acid-base balance?
By reabsorbing bicarbonate and excreting hydrogen ions to maintain pH balance.
What diagnostic tests are used to confirm a UTI and guide treatment?
Urinalysis and urine culture with sensitivity testing
What complications can arise from untreated kidney stones?
Hydronephrosis and urinary tract infections
What are major complications of chronic glomerulonephritis?
ESRD, hypertension, heart failure, pulmonary edema, and hypertensive encephalopathy
What are the stages of chronic kidney disease based on GFR?
Stage 1: ≥90, Stage 2: 60–89, Stage 3a: 45–59, Stage 3b: 30–44, Stage 4: 15–29, Stage 5: <15 or dialysis-dependent