Renal failure

Definition

Renal failure is a medical condition characterized by the kidneys' inability to effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, leading to the accumulation of toxins. This condition can disrupt the balance of fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base in the body, potentially causing serious health complications and requiring urgent medical intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Renal failure can be classified into two main types: acute renal failure, which occurs suddenly, and chronic renal failure, which develops gradually over time.
2. Common causes of renal failure include diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, and obstructive uropathy.
3. Patients with renal failure often experience imbalances in electrolytes like potassium and sodium, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness or cardiac issues.
4. Acidosis is a common complication of renal failure due to the kidneys' inability to excrete hydrogen ions effectively, leading to a decrease in blood pH.
5. Management of renal failure may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or interventions such as dialysis or kidney transplantation, depending on the severity of the condition.

Review Questions

• How does renal failure affect fluid and electrolyte balance in the body?
  • Renal failure significantly disrupts fluid and electrolyte balance as the kidneys are unable to filter and excrete waste products and excess fluids. This can lead to fluid overload, resulting in edema or hypertension, while electrolyte imbalances may occur due to impaired regulation of potassium, sodium, and calcium levels. These disturbances can cause serious complications, including arrhythmias and muscle weakness, demonstrating the critical role that healthy kidney function plays in maintaining homeostasis.
• Evaluate the differences between acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease in terms of their causes and management.
  • Acute renal failure typically arises from sudden events such as severe dehydration or medication effects that lead to rapid kidney impairment. Management often focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause to restore kidney function. In contrast, chronic kidney disease progresses over time due to ongoing damage from conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Management for chronic disease usually involves lifestyle modifications and long-term strategies such as controlling blood pressure and glucose levels, as well as considering dialysis or transplantation if kidney function declines significantly.
• Assess the implications of renal failure on acid-base balance and how it might influence patient care strategies.
  • Renal failure can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' decreased ability to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate. This acid-base imbalance requires careful monitoring and intervention in patient care strategies to prevent further complications such as respiratory distress or cardiovascular instability. Healthcare providers must consider these factors when managing patients with renal failure by implementing treatments such as bicarbonate therapy or adjusting dietary intake to help restore normal pH levels and enhance overall stability.

Related terms

Acute Kidney Injury: A sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood over a short period.

Chronic Kidney Disease: A progressive loss of kidney function over an extended period, often resulting from conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Dialysis: A medical procedure that artificially removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function.