How do the kidneys and nephrons work?

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

Today's lecture was about urinary system. However, the instructor was tired. The powerpoint was bad (she said she lost hers last night and sat up all night redoing it). The information doesn't make sense. Can someone please explain to me or provide me with a reference on the kidneys function? We went over the nephrons and I made notes on the photos with arrows and everything but even looking over it I can't quite make sense of it. I do record the lectures and will be listening to it over but still need help. I dont have any clue about angiotensin II. What is it? where does it come from? What exactly is the JG Apparatus? How does Renin work? What if someone has a hyper or hypotension? Does the renin secrete to bring up that pressure or is it only with fluid overload/dehydration? When the RBC and protein leave the Glomerulus and go to the Efferent Arteriole do the smaller particles also go? My understanding is that they go on to the proximal convoluted tubule. If that is the case do they ever meet up again? Then how do you get protein in your urine? How are bad RBC excreted?

Any information is greatly appreciated. (Supposedly we are going over this material again tomorrow) :confused:

These websites won't totally replace the textbook (nor are they intended to), but they can certainly be a user-friendly adjunct, especially for visual learners.

Sure, but I get the impression that too many students are trying to use them to replace the textbook. The learner sure gets a warm fuzzy, but not much else.

Specializes in Infusion.

I'm 47 and really enjoy the animation of some of the videos that are on youtube. Some are really well produced and come from universities. When my textbook got a little dry, I turned to the internet many times. Not a replacement but a great addition to the textbook. If I can "see" how it works, I can understand it more deeply. Also, the kidneys and urinary system require more than a day of studying. They also require a lot of pre-knowledge on hormones and the vascular system.

Specializes in IMCU.

Steady on... I am not saying not to use them. I use them all the time. Never in lieu of the textbook but in addition to.

Exactly!! I was flabbergasted reading through the OP and responses. Google? Youtube??

Seriously?

The instructor is there to give an overview, answer any questions and enhance the information you should have already read in your textbook.

My goodness.

Are you in Europe? Americans have historically required that teachers must teach for their pay. (joking!) :D

The problem was not that I did not read the assigned material. The issue was that the lecture was terrible. Walking into class I thought I had a good handle on the subject matter. However, as soon as the lecture started I was lost. The instructor had wrong information on the powerpoint. When it was brought to her attention that the informationw as wrong she said the book was wrong then decided no the book was right and she was wrong. The entire class is stilla little loss with all the information. The next day she did do a very brief and very fast repeat of the correct information. However, the damage was already done.

Are you in Europe? Americans have historically required that teachers must teach for their pay. (joking!) :D

Fair point. But as an American, I have found that the person most responsible for my learning is me.

I have also found that some nursing school teachers, while they are great nurses and excellent lab/clinical instructors, can suck at theory lecture. Especially when they rely too much on powerpoints. Even the very skilled lecturers have so much dang information to present, the in class time can be a blur.

The OP mentioned she did the reading, so she should have a general idea of what is going on. Yet it appears she is blaming subpar instruction for a total lack of understanding. Let me know if my perception is off base.

Perhaps peachmouse could post more specific questions on what is confusing her? This is where others can tell if basic info is needed or what specific teaching adjunct may be helpful.

The OP mentioned she did the reading, so she should have a general idea of what is going on. Yet it appears she is blaming subpar instruction for a total lack of understanding. Let me know if my perception is off base.
It's my impression that she wasn't blaming the instructor for the information being inadequate. She was complaining because the information was wrong. If she hadn't done the reading and gotten a grasp of the material, she wouldn't have recognized the flaws in the teacher's material.

This subject is complicated enough without having to sort through faulty material. I can see why, even having done the reading, the OP might still be confused.

I have to agree with some of the other posters in that sometimes it helpful to have other resources to you in addition to your textbook. I know I had a hard time with this same system and after going through it with my A&P, Patho and youtube, I finally got it. Here is the guy that I used and I have to say he really nailed it in for me! All his videos are pretty awesome:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hennagerdj#p/u/72/4_tW5aZsf1o

Hang in there! If I could finally get it I know you will to! Good Luck! :)

Specializes in SDU, Tele.
I have to agree with some of the other posters in that sometimes it helpful to have other resources to you in addition to your textbook. I know I had a hard time with this same system and after going through it with my A&P, Patho and youtube, I finally got it. Here is the guy that I used and I have to say he really nailed it in for me! All his videos are pretty awesome:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hennagerdj#p/u/72/4_tW5aZsf1o

Hang in there! If I could finally get it I know you will to! Good Luck! :)

That guy teaches SOOO well!!!!

+ Add a Comment