NCLEX Review & Nursing School

ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

– is a syndrome in which there is an abrupt loss of renal function that may occur over several hours or days, characterized by Uremia.  The most common cause of Acute Renal Function is hypotension and hypovolemia.

HYPERKALEMIA is a common complication of acute renal failure.  It is life threatening if not reversed.  The administration of glucose and regular insulin can prevent cardiac arrest caused by hypekalemia.

A sudden but reversible loss of kidney function.
Acute Renal Failure

• IT IS BASICALLY A RAPID DECREASE IN RENAL FUNCTION.

• CAUSES A COLLECTION OF METABOLIC WASTE IN THE BODY

Types of Acute Renal Failure

• PRERENAL
• INTRARENAL
• POST RENAL

Phases of Acute Renal Failure

1. ONSET PHASE
2. OLIGURIC PHASE
3. DIURETIC PHASE

– the patient usually has diuresis of up to 10 L/day.

4. RECOVERY PHASE

Laboratory Tests:

• BUN
• Creatinine clearance
• Serum creatinine
• Serum potassium
• Urinalysis

Treatment

• DIET: High carbohydrates and low in protien, salt, and potassium.
• ANTIBIOTICS

  *** limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake.

• Dialysis may be necessary.