CCRN Acute Renal Failure

 CCRN Acute Renal Failure

Acute renal failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to eliminate excess salts, fluids, and waste materials from the blood.  This elimination is the core of your kidney’s main function.  Body fluids can rise to dangerous levels when the kidneys lose their filtering ability.  The condition will also cause electrolyte and waste material to accumulate in your body, which can also be life-threatening.

Acute renal failure is also known as acute kidney injury or acute kidney failure.  It’s most common for people who are already in the hospital.  It may develop rapidly over a few hours.  It can also develop over a few days to weeks.  People who are critically ill and need intensive care have the highest risk of developing acute kidney failure.

Signs and Symptoms

• • Bloody stools, breath odor
  • Slow, sluggish movements
  • Generalized swelling or fluid retention
  • Fatigue, hand tremor
  • Pain between ribs or hips
  • Bruising easily, Nausea, Vomiting
  • Mental status change
  • Seizures, HTN
  • A metallic taste in your mouth

Causes

Acute renal failure can occur for many reasons.  Among the most common reasons are:

• Acute tubular necrosis
• Severe or sudden dehydration
• Toxic kidney injury from poisons or certain medications
• Autoimmune kidney diseases, such as acute nephritic syndrome and interstitial nephritis
• Urinary tract obstruction

Reduced blood flow can damage your kidneys.  The following conditions can lead to decreased blood flow to your kidneys:

• Low blood pressure
• Burns
• Dehydration
• Hemorrhage
• Injury
• Septic shock
• Serious illness
• Surgery

Certain disorders can cause clotting within your kidney’s blood vessels, and this can lead to acute kidney failure. These conditions include:

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
• Malignant hypertension
• Transfusion reaction
• Scleroderma

Risk Factors

The chances of acquiring acute renal failure are greater if you’re an older person or if you have any of the following long-term health problems:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Morbid obesity

Complications

Potential complications of acute kidney failure include:

• Fluid buildup
• Chest pain
• Muscle weakness
• Permanent kidney damage
• Death

Treatment

• IV fluids
• Treat the electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia
• Dialysis