A nurse is caring for a client who reports to the clinic for laboratory tests. The client has an acute kidney injury caused by acute tubular necrosis and asks why their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) keeps decreasing. Which of the following pathophysiological changes occurring in the kidney should the nurse explain as the cause of the decrease?
The glomerular filtration rate decreases because there is injury to the renal tubular cells.
The glomerular filtration rate decreases because there is obstruction leading to the filtration system backing up and eventually shutting the kidneys down.
The glomerular filtration rate decreases because in?ammatory cells invade the already damaged kidneys.
The glomerular filtration rate decreases because there is a reduction of blood flow to the kidneys.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a condition where there is damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This is because the tubular cells are responsible for reabsorbing substances from the filtrate back into the blood. When these cells are injured, they cannot function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products and a decrease in GFR.
Choice B reason: While obstruction can lead to a decrease in GFR, it is not the primary cause in the context of acute tubular necrosis. Obstruction typically occurs in postrenal causes of acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: In?ammatory cells do invade damaged kidneys, but this is more characteristic of conditions such as acute interstitial nephritis rather than ATN. In ATN, the primary issue is the injury to the tubular cells themselves.
Choice D reason: A reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, or prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decrease in GFR. However, in the context of ATN, the primary issue is not the blood flow but the damage to the renal tubules.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to increased excretion of potassium, not retention.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy due to increased excretion of potassium in the urine.
Choice C reason: Hypomagnesemia is not commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy.
Choice D reason: Hypermagnesemia is not typically induced by corticosteroid therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Periorbital edema, dark frothy urine, and elevated blood pressure are more indicative of conditions like nephrotic syndrome rather than kidney stones.
Choice B reason: Severe flank pain, nausea, and vomiting are classic symptoms associated with kidney stones, and such clients should be educated on kidney stone prevention.
Choice C reason: Polyuria, nocturia, proteinuria, and a palpable kidney mass could suggest other renal issues, but not specifically kidney stones.
Choice D reason: Urinary urgency, weak urine stream, and dysuria could be symptoms of a urinary tract infection or prostate issues in males, rather than kidney stones.
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