CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR NURSES
Renal Failure ($19.95, 2 hours)
ABSTRACT
The article accompanying this activity first appeared in the May 2012 issue of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand.
The kidneys are essential in the maintenance of homeostasis. Renal dysfunction causes multiple, complex effects throughout the body. Kidney function can be impaired acutely following infection or trauma or it may develop slowly as a complication of chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The number of people in New Zealand requiring treatment for renal disease is increasing. Incidence is disproportionately high in Maori and Pacific populations, but this is not solely due to their higher incidence of diabetes and hypertension. An appreciation of the roles of the kidney promotes better understanding of the consequences of renal dysfunction. Recognising, and being vigilant for, the complex pathophysiological processes in acute and chronic renal impairment enhances best care for patients.
After completing this activity you should be able to:
• Outline the roles of the kidney in maintaining homeostasis.
• Describe the causes and consequences of acute kidney injury
• Describe the course of chronic kidney disease and its progression to end-stage renal disease.
• Discuss common measurements of renal function.
Please note there is an error in the Kai Tiaki and PDF version of the article: The actions of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists is on the efferent arteriole, not the afferent arteriole.
The kidneys are essential in the maintenance of homeostasis. Renal dysfunction causes multiple, complex effects throughout the body. Kidney function can be impaired acutely following infection or trauma or it may develop slowly as a complication of chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The number of people in New Zealand requiring treatment for renal disease is increasing. Incidence is disproportionately high in Maori and Pacific populations, but this is not solely due to their higher incidence of diabetes and hypertension. An appreciation of the roles of the kidney promotes better understanding of the consequences of renal dysfunction. Recognising, and being vigilant for, the complex pathophysiological processes in acute and chronic renal impairment enhances best care for patients.
After completing this activity you should be able to:
• Outline the roles of the kidney in maintaining homeostasis.
• Describe the causes and consequences of acute kidney injury
• Describe the course of chronic kidney disease and its progression to end-stage renal disease.
• Discuss common measurements of renal function.
LATEST ARTICLES
Follow us on Twitter 
Follow us on Facebook 