Chronic Renal Failure (Chronic Kidney Disease) ESRD l Nursing NCLEX RN & LPN

Summary

This video explains chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual loss of kidney function that progresses through five stages, determined by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It covers the causes of CKD, such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases, as well as the impact of these conditions on kidney health. The video emphasizes the importance of managing blood sugar and blood pressure to prevent kidney damage. In the later stages of CKD, dialysis and kidney transplants may be necessary. This educational content is essential for students and healthcare professionals learning about CKD.

Takeaways

• 😀 CKD is a gradual loss of kidney function, progressing through five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
• 😀 Stage 1 of CKD is characterized by a GFR greater than 90 mL/min, indicating normal kidney function.
• 😀 Stage 4 CKD occurs when the GFR is between 29-15 mL/min, indicating severe kidney distress.
• 😀 Stage 5 is end-stage renal disease (GFR < 15 mL/min), where kidneys are essentially nonfunctional, requiring dialysis or a transplant.
• 😀 Dialysis is a machine that takes over kidney functions to filter the blood when kidneys fail.
• 😀 The five stages of CKD are not heavily tested on the NCLEX, but stages 4 and 5 are critical for nursing exams.
• 😀 Older age contributes to a decrease in renal function by 10% each decade, though it doesn’t necessarily cause renal failure.
• 😀 Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are major causes of chronic kidney failure, damaging kidney structures over time.
• 😀 High blood sugar in diabetes causes thickened blood, which damages delicate kidney structures, leading to kidney failure.
• 😀 Chronic high blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to scarring and reduced blood flow, contributing to kidney failure.
• 😀 Autoimmune diseases, infections, and polycystic kidney disease can also contribute to the progression of CKD and kidney failure.

Q & A

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function that occurs in stages. It is characterized by a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how much blood the kidneys can filter each minute.

What is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and why is it important?

The GFR measures how much blood can be filtered by the kidneys each minute. It is important because a decreasing GFR indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can lead to kidney distress and eventual failure.

What are the five stages of chronic kidney disease?

The five stages of CKD are classified based on the GFR: Stage 1 (GFR over 90), Stage 2 (GFR 60-89), Stage 3 (GFR 30-59), Stage 4 (GFR 15-29), and Stage 5 (GFR less than 15). Stages 4 and 5 are critical, with Stage 5 considered end-stage renal disease.

Why is Stage 5 of CKD considered end-stage renal disease?

Stage 5 is considered end-stage renal disease because the GFR is less than 15, meaning the kidneys have essentially failed, and they can no longer filter blood adequately. At this point, dialysis or a kidney transplant is typically required.

What are the causes of chronic kidney failure?

The main causes of chronic kidney failure include uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, kidney infections, polycystic kidney disease, and acute renal failure that progresses to CKD.

How does uncontrolled diabetes contribute to chronic kidney disease?

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to high blood sugar, which thickens the blood, making it similar to syrup. This thickened blood can damage the delicate glomeruli inside the kidneys, eventually leading to renal failure.

What impact does uncontrolled high blood pressure have on the kidneys?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure causes excessive pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, this can scar and harden the vessels, reducing blood flow and damaging the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.

What role do autoimmune diseases play in kidney damage?

Autoimmune diseases can cause the body's immune system to attack the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage to the glomeruli. This damage can worsen over time and result in chronic kidney disease.

How is dialysis used in the treatment of kidney failure?

Dialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by filtering waste, excess fluid, and electrolytes from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform these functions effectively.

What is polycystic kidney disease, and how does it contribute to kidney failure?

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder where cysts develop in the kidneys, impairing their function. Over time, the cysts grow larger, leading to kidney damage and ultimately contributing to kidney failure.