if necessary
Introduction
Acute Glomerulonephritis is a form of glomerular inflammation with changes in kidney function that can lead to acute kidney failure. This condition is usually caused by a strep infection in the throat, but can also be caused by other types of infections. It is important for nurses to understand the signs and symptoms associated with glomerulonephritis and create a comprehensive care plan for the patient.
Assessment
Signs and Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis include swollen feet and ankles; foamy, dark-colored, or tea-colored urine; frequent urination; fatigue and malaise; rapid fluctuations in body weight; and frothy sputum. Other less common symptoms may include hypertension, fever, chills, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Nursing Diagnosis
Impaired Fluid volume related to edema: Edema can occur when the patient’s blood vessels lose their ability to regulate the amount of fluid they allow to enter or leave the circulation. This can cause an increased amount of fluid to be retained in the cells, resulting in swelling in areas such as the ankles, legs, and feet.
Outcomes
Patient will stay optimally hydrated: The goal of nursing care for acute glomerulonephritis is to maintain a balance between fluid retention and fluid removal, thus ensuring the patient stays adequately hydrated and the problems associated with dehydration are minimized.
Interventions
Monitor fluid balance: To prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, it is essential to monitor fluid output and intake on a regular basis to ensure the patient is staying well hydrated. The nurse should also take into consideration factors such as levels of activity, environmental factors, and medications.
Rationales
Identify and correct any contributing factors:Seeing that the underlying cause of acute glomerulonephritis is usually a strep infection, it is important to identify the source of this infection and treat appropriately. If the infection is left untreated it can worsen the patient's condition and can even lead to kidney failure.
Evaluation
Reassess fluid balance regularly:It is important to reassess the patient’s fluid balance on a regular basis, to make sure that the nursing interventions are having the desired effect. The nurse should pay close attention to any signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, and take appropriate action if necessary.
Conclusion
Nursing care for acute glomerulonephritis should take into consideration all aspects of the patient’s condition, from the symptoms and signs to potential contributing factors and the use of pharmacological interventions. By monitoring fluid balance and identifying any potential contributing factors, the nurse can help to ensure the patient recovery is swift and successful.
FAQs
- What causes acute glomerulonephritis? Acute glomerulonephritis is usually caused by a strep infection in the throat, but can also be caused by other types of infections.
- What kind of symptoms should I look out for? Common symptoms include swollen feet and ankles, foamy, dark-colored, or tea-colored urine, frequent urination, fatigue, malaise, and rapid fluctuations in body weight.
- How will the nurse regulate my fluid balance? The nurse will monitor your fluid output and intake on a regular basis to ensure you are staying adequately hydrated, taking into consideration factors such as levels of activity, environmental factors, and medications.
- What other interventions will be used to manage my condition? The nurse may also identify and correct any contributing factors, such as underlying infections and use pharmacological interventions where appropriate.
- How often should I be monitored? Reassessment of fluid balance should be done on a regular basis, to make sure that the nursing interventions are having the desired effect.
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