title: Utilizing physiological knowledge to care for acute renal failure.
abstract: Nursing can play a pivotal role in promoting positive outcomes in patients who are both at risk of, and experiencing, an episode of acute renal failure (ARF). ARF is potentially recoverable to the extent that 94% of survivors have the potential to be dialysis independent. This article highlights the positive impact ward-based nurses can have on this group of patients through the use of a commonly encountered clinical scenario. Key aspects of renal physiology are utilized to ensure that the aetiology of ARF is clearly understood. Treatment and specific nursing care is discussed in order to enhance the quality of care delivered to this group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Adult Critical Care Nursing, University of Central England, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kisel
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000368:Aged; D015984:Causality; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology