Chapter 11: Diseases and Conditions of the Urinary System

What are some of the common symptoms of urinary system diseases?

Urinary disease symptoms include decreased urinary output, edema, and hypertension.

Why is acute renal failure considered a clinical emergency?

ARF qualifies as a clinical emergency because nitrogenous waste products quickly accumulate in blood, causing an acute uremic episode.

What are some examples of abnormal findings in a urinalysis?

Abnormal findings in a urinalysis include atypical levels of white blood cells and red blood cells; foul smell, cloudy appearance, or abnormal alkaline pH.

What are the etiologic factors of acute glomerulonephritis? For chronic glomerulonephritis?

Acute glomerulonephritis usually follows an infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus; idiopathic or may result from an immune reaction. Chronic glomerulonephritis, an immune mechanism is suggested to be a major cause; other causes are primary renal disorders and systemic disorders like SLE.

When may catheterization be indicated?

Catheterization may be indicated before surgery or after surgery to relieve urinary retention, to obtain a sterile urine specimen, to irrigate the bladder, or to treat urinary incontinence.

How might organisms be introduced into the urinary tract and cause pyelonephritis?

Catheterization or diagnostic procedures such as cystoscopy can introduce organisms into the urinary bladder.

What are the etiologic sources of infectious cystitis and urethritis?

Cystitis and urethritis are the medical terms for inflammation of the bladder and urethra. Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, and it's called a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Which individuals may require dialysis? Kidney transplant?

Dialysis may be required by individuals with renal failure (acute or chronic). Dialysis or kidney transplantation or both may be required by individuals with irreversible renal failure or end-stage renal disease. Kidney transplant are for people with diabetes adrenal failure, hypertensive renal disease, and glomerulonephritis.

What are the classic clinical symptoms and signs of nephrosis? What causes nephrosis?

Etiologic factors of nephrosis include renal damage with increased permeability of the glomerulus. Nephrosis may be the result of exposure to toxins, certain drugs, or, allergic reaction. Symptoms of nephrosis include bloody urine, loss of appetite, and pale skin. Signs of nephrosis include proteinuria, hypertension, and hematuria.

How does diabetes mellitus contribute to diabetic nephropathy?

High blood glucose levels and high blood pressure may hasten the deterioration of renal function, resulting in the condition of diabetic nephropathy.

Which condition is a complication of urinary tract obstruction? What are some causes of urinary tract obstruction?

Hydronephrosis is a complication of urinary tract obstruction. Causes include congenital defects, scar tissue, and tumors.

How would you describe the polycystic kidney?

In the polycystic kidney, normal renal tissue is replaced with multiple grapelike cysts in both kidneys. They become dilated and enlarged and are palpable on physical examination.

What are the risk factors for renal calculi?

Renal calculi risk factors include heredity, male, and individual between 30-60 years old.

How would you compare the pathology of neurogenic bladder to that of stress incontinence?

Neurogenic bladder is the difficulty emptying bladder, or incontinence. Caused by damaged nerves to lower urinary tract. No cure, but quality of life can be improved. Stress incontinence is the uncontrolled leaking of urine during common activities. Caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. Condition can be improved and possibly cured.

How would a patient with pyelonephritis describe his or her symptoms?

Pyelonephritis symptoms include chills, fever, and nausea.

What is the treatment and prognosis for renal cell carcinoma? For bladder tumors?

Renal cell carcinoma treatment include surgical removal of diseased kidney. Immunotherapy may be helpful for some. Prognosis is best with early treatment. Bladder tumors treatment include is surgical removal of bladder lesions. Multidrug chemotherapy may help shrink tumor and increase survival time. Stage us the most important independent prognostic indicator for disease progression and overall survival.

When is renal failure irreversible?

Renal failure is considered irreversible when renal perfusion cannot be restored and permanent kidney damage has occurred.

Specifically, how does the urinary system work to maintain homeostasis?

The urinary system cleanses the blood of waste products from metabolism and regulates the normal balance of water, salts, and acids in body fluids. The kidneys secrete renin, a hormone that raises blood pressure, and erythropoietin, which acts as a stimulus to red blood cell production and plays a role in the activation of vitamin D.