A Nurse Is Reviewing The Lab Report Of A Patient Who Has Acute Kidney Injury. Which Of The Following Should The Nurse Expect? Select All That Apply.- BUN: 30 Mg/dL (Normal Range: $10-20 , \text{mg/dL}$)- Urine Output: 40 ML In The Past 3
Introduction
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden loss of kidney function that can occur in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those who are otherwise healthy. As a nurse, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of AKI to provide timely and effective care. In this article, we will discuss the expected laboratory findings and clinical presentation of AKI, focusing on the patient's lab report and urine output.
Lab Report Analysis
When reviewing the lab report of a patient with AKI, the nurse should expect to see several abnormalities. One of the key indicators of AKI is an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. BUN is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter out of the blood. In the case of AKI, the kidneys are unable to filter waste effectively, leading to an increase in BUN levels.
- BUN: 30 mg/dL (Normal range: 10-20 mg/dL): This value is above the normal range, indicating that the patient's kidneys are not functioning properly. The nurse should expect to see a higher BUN level in a patient with AKI.
Urine Output
Urine output is another critical indicator of kidney function. In patients with AKI, the kidneys are unable to produce urine at a normal rate. Adequate urine output is essential for removing waste products from the body. In the case of AKI, the nurse should expect to see a decrease in urine output.
- Urine output: 40 mL in the past 3 hours: This value is below the normal range, indicating that the patient's kidneys are not producing urine at a normal rate. The nurse should expect to see a decrease in urine output in a patient with AKI.
Other Expected Findings
In addition to elevated BUN levels and decreased urine output, the nurse should also expect to see other abnormalities in the patient's lab report. These may include:
- Elevated creatinine levels: Creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter out of the blood. In patients with AKI, creatinine levels may be elevated.
- Electrolyte imbalances: AKI can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
- Acid-base disturbances: AKI can also lead to acid-base disturbances, including metabolic acidosis (elevated acid levels) and metabolic alkalosis (elevated base levels).
Clinical Presentation
In addition to laboratory findings, the nurse should also be aware of the clinical presentation of AKI. Common symptoms of AKI include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The nurse should also be aware of the patient's medical history, including any pre-existing kidney disease or other underlying conditions that may contribute to AKI.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nurse should expect to see several abnormalities in the lab report of a patient with AKI, including elevated BUN levels and decreased urine output. The nurse should also be aware of the clinical presentation of AKI, including common symptoms and potential underlying causes. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of AKI, the nurse can provide timely and effective care to patients with this condition.
References
- National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Acute Kidney Injury.
- American Society of Nephrology. (2022). Acute Kidney Injury.
- Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. (2012). KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Lab Report Analysis
- Other Expected Findings
- Clinical Presentation
- Conclusion
- References
- Table of Contents
A Nurse's Guide to Acute Kidney Injury: Q&A =============================================
Introduction
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden loss of kidney function that can occur in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those who are otherwise healthy. As a nurse, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of AKI to provide timely and effective care. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about AKI, focusing on its diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Q: What is acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A: AKI is a sudden loss of kidney function that can occur in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those who are otherwise healthy. It is characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood.
Q: What are the common causes of AKI?
A: The common causes of AKI include:
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, causing AKI.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause AKI by reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
- Surgery: Surgery can cause AKI by reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
- Infections: Infections, such as sepsis, can cause AKI by reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
- Toxins: Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, can cause AKI by damaging the kidneys.
Q: What are the symptoms of AKI?
A: The symptoms of AKI include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of AKI.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of AKI.
- Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of AKI.
- Swelling: Swelling is a common symptom of AKI.
- Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine is a common symptom of AKI.
Q: How is AKI diagnosed?
A: AKI is diagnosed through a combination of laboratory tests and physical examination. The laboratory tests used to diagnose AKI include:
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test: The BUN test measures the level of waste products in the blood.
- Creatinine test: The creatinine test measures the level of waste products in the blood.
- Urine output test: The urine output test measures the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound and CT scans, may be used to diagnose AKI.
Q: What is the treatment for AKI?
A: The treatment for AKI depends on the underlying cause of the condition. The treatment may include:
- Fluid replacement: Fluid replacement is used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Medications: Medications, such as diuretics, may be used to increase urine production.
- Dialysis: Dialysis may be used to remove waste products from the blood.
- Surgery: Surgery may be used to repair damaged kidneys.
Q: How can AKI be prevented?
A: AKI can be prevented by:
- Staying hydrated: Staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration and AKI.
- Avoiding medications: Avoiding medications that can cause AKI can help prevent the condition.
- Managing underlying conditions: Managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can help prevent AKI.
- Getting regular check-ups: Getting regular check-ups can help detect AKI early, when it is easier to treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AKI is a serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of AKI, nurses can provide timely and effective care to patients with this condition. By understanding the causes and treatment of AKI, nurses can help prevent the condition and improve patient outcomes.
References
- National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Acute Kidney Injury.
- American Society of Nephrology. (2022). Acute Kidney Injury.
- Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. (2012). KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury.