Renal and Urinary Disorders

What this page covers

This unit collects study material on the kidneys and urinary tract, written from a nursing point of view. Many of the resources are mind maps. They cover hemodialysis, dialysis, vascular access, acute kidney injury, acute renal failure, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, neurogenic bladder and several maps on urinary tract infection.

The quizzes use nursing exam style questions, including select-all-that-apply items. The flashcards cover assessment, urinalysis and hemodialysis access grafts.

Where to start

If the kidneys are new to you, begin with the flashcard deck AKI and CKD. Its cards run through the functions of the kidneys, renal assessment, nephrotoxic agents, urinalysis, serum creatinine and estimated GFR. The page also lists a note with the same title, so you can read as well as drill.

Next, open the Acute Kidney Injury mind map. It sets out the sudden drop in renal function, the buildup of waste and fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and the causes, starting with pre-renal problems of perfusion.

Infections and dialysis

1. Read the Urinary Tract Infection Mind Map for classifications, signs and symptoms, diagnostic studies and collaborative care.
2. Move to the Pyelonephritis map for manifestations, medications and surgical interventions.
3. Open the Indwelling Catheter Related UTI map to see how catheters link to infection.
4. Finish with the Hemodialysis mind map, which lists complications such as hypotension, muscle cramps and chest pain.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then test yourself. After the hemodialysis map, try CH 89 - Urinary Disorders, which asks about complications in a client receiving hemodialysis. After the infection maps, try Critical Care Questions Chapter 49, which asks what health education a nurse should give a client with recurrent urinary tract infections.

When you miss a question, go back to the matching map and find the point you missed. For broader practice, Renal Review and Hinkle - Chapter 53, on when renal replacement therapy is indicated, are good next steps.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Medical-Surgical Nursing strand of the Nursing subject. Pick one topic today, work through its map and quiz, and then make your own flashcards from what you found hard.