Renal Physiology and Kidney Disease Flashcards

Which of the following is the primary functional unit of the kidney?

Answer: Nephron

The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion.

What is the normal range for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a healthy adult?

Answer: 90–120 mL/min/1.73 m²

A normal GFR is approximately 90–120 mL/min/1.73 m², and values below 60 for three or more months indicate chronic kidney disease.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is defined by a GFR of less than:

Answer: 15 mL/min/1.73 m²

ESRD (CKD Stage 5) is defined as a GFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m², at which point renal replacement therapy is typically required.

Which electrolyte imbalance is of greatest immediate concern in ESRD patients?

Answer: Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is the most immediately life-threatening electrolyte imbalance in ESRD because elevated potassium can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

What is the primary cause of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Answer: Insufficient production of erythropoietin by diseased kidneys

The failing kidney produces inadequate erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, leading to normocytic normochromic anemia.

Which acid-base disturbance is most common in patients with ESRD?

Answer: Metabolic acidosis

ESRD patients develop metabolic acidosis because the kidneys lose the ability to excrete hydrogen ions and regenerate bicarbonate.