Nr507 Week 4: Open Forum Discussion
Nr507 Week 4: Open Forum. This is a required, but not graded open forum. Please feel free to post questions related to content or assignments. No references are required.
This week, we are covering Alterations in Renal and Urinary Function. As you reflect on the concepts of fluid and electrolytes and acid/base balance covered in the last two weeks, tell us one alteration that could occur in fluid and electrolyte and acid/base balance due to a renal or urinary disorder.
Nr507 Week 4: Open Forum Answer
Given the pivotal role that renal organs, particularly the kidneys, play in regulating fluid, electrolyte, and acid/base balance, any impairment in renal function, whether acute or chronic, can lead to various alterations, including hyperkalemia.
According to Albright (2019), hyperkalemia is a prevalent and life-threatening electrolyte disorder commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its prevalence tends to increase as CKD advances. The severity of hyperkalemia is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, with levels of 5.1-<6 mmol/l, 6-<7 mmol/l, and ≥7 mmol/l, respectively (Pitt & Rossignol, 2017).
Accurate diagnosis of hyperkalemia is highly critical, not only to initiate appropriate treatment promptly but also to rule out pseudo-hyperkalemia, which may result from factors such as poor phlebotomy technique or hemolysis within the test tube.
In clinical practice, understanding the intricacies of hyperkalemia is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly when dealing with patients with CKD or ESRD. Prompt identification and management of hyperkalemia contribute significantly to the overall care and outcomes of patients with renal impairments.
