Objective Question Help

"Chronic kidney disease (CKD) encompasses a spectrum of different pathophysiologic processes associated with abnormal kidney function, and a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Table 274-1 provides a widely accepted classification, based on recent guidelines of the National Kidney Foundation [Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI)], in which stages of CKD are defined according to the estimated GFR.

Table 274-1 Classification of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The term chronic renal failure applies to the process of continuing significant irreversible reduction in nephron number, and typically corresponds to CKD stages 3-5. The pathophysiologic processes and adaptations associated with chronic renal failure will be the focus of this chapter. The dispiriting term end-stage renal disease represents a stage of CKD where the accumulation of toxins, fluid, and electrolytes normally excreted by the kidneys results in the uremic syndrome. This syndrome leads to death unless the toxins are removed by renal replacement therapy, using dialysis or kidney transplantation. These latter interventions are discussed in Chaps. 275 and 276. End-stage renal disease will be supplanted in this chapter by the term stage 5 CKD." (From Harrisons Online, Chapter 274 regarding Chronic Kidney Disease, by Joanne M. Bargman, Karl Skorecki)

Our school lets us use different online resources and this is from Access Medicine. I hope this helps. My guess would be that some renal disease is reversible but once you get to renal failure, the kidney begins to shut down. Watch for BUN and Creatinine levels, urine output, urine color and clarity, flank pain, and I believe changes in sodium and potassium.

Thanks so much! I know there is going to be multiple questions about this tomorrow morning on my Med-Surg II exam. c:

No problem, good luck on your test!