A nurse is caring for a client who has an acute kidney injury caused by acute tubular necrosis. The client asks why their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) keeps decreasing. Which of the following pathophysiological changes occurring in the kidney should the nurse explain as the cause of the decrease?
Inflammatory cells invade the already damaged kidneys.
There is a reduction of blood flow to the kidneys.
There is injury to the renal tubular cells.
There is obstruction leading to the filtration system backing up and eventually shutting the kidneys down.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While inflammation can affect the kidneys, the presence of inflammatory cells alone does not typically cause a decrease in GFR. Inflammatory cells invading the kidneys is more associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis rather than acute tubular necrosis.
Choice B rationale
A reduction in blood flow to the kidneys, known as prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decreased GFR. However, in the context of acute tubular necrosis, the primary issue is damage to the renal tubules rather than blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Acute tubular necrosis is characterized by damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This damage impairs the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in a lower GFR.
Choice D rationale
Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to postrenal azotemia, which may decrease GFR if severe enough. However, this is not the typical pathophysiological change seen in acute tubular necrosis, which primarily involves tubular cell injury.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While infections can occur in IBD, the primary goal is not to combat infection but to manage the underlying inflammation¹.
Choice B rationale
Controlling inflammation is a key treatment goal in IBD to alleviate symptoms and induce and maintain remission².
Choice C rationale
Correcting and preventing malnutrition is essential in IBD management due to potential nutrient absorption issues¹.
Choice D rationale
Increasing stress is not a treatment goal for IBD. In fact, reducing stress can help manage IBD symptoms².
Choice E rationale
While IBD currently has no cure, the goals are to manage symptoms, induce remission, and improve quality of life².
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Proteinuria, or the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, is a hallmark sign of glomerulonephritis. It occurs due to the increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension is often associated with glomerulonephritis. The damage to the glomeruli can lead to salt and water retention, contributing to high blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Periorbital edema, which is swelling around the eyes, is a common early symptom of glomerulonephritis. It is caused by fluid retention and leakage into the tissue.
Choice D rationale
Hypotension is not typically associated with glomerulonephritis. In fact, hypertension is more common due to the reasons mentioned above.
Choice E rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is another common finding in glomerulonephritis. It results from the inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine.
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