About this topic
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the back of your belly, just above your waist. They filter your blood and get rid of waste products and extra fluid from your body. The waste is turned into urine. ‚
Acute renal failure is a sudden injury or illness that causes problems with your kidneys. They shut down and stop filtering the blood. Many things can cause this to happen like: ‚
- Low blood flow to the kidneys. This may happen because of low blood pressure or heart failure or other causes.
- Damage to the kidneys from infections, drugs, or injuries
- The path for urine to leave the body is blocked. Cancer and prostrate problems are two things that may cause a block.
- Pregnancy or certain diseases may cause damage to the kidneys.
The doctor may use many tests to find out the cause of the kidney problems. Care is based on the cause and how much damage there is. Most often with treatment, the kidneys will start to work on their own again. This may take weeks or months. Treatment may include drugs, dialysis, and diet changes. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure to take all of the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- You may need dialysis until your kidneys are able to work well.
- If you had a catheter placed for your dialysis treatments, you will be taught how to care for the catheter.
- Keep your legs above the level of your heart when in bed. This may help with your bodys blood flow and lower swelling in your feet.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Remove body fluids
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. If surgery was done, avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
You need to limit certain types of food and drinks to help lessen the work of your healing kidneys. Your doctor may have you meet with a dietitian to help you plan your meals. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term kidney failure. This is also called chronic renal failure.
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
- Swelling of your ankles, feet, or face
- No urine for more than 6 hours
- Sudden chest pain or breathing problems
- Very bad belly pain, upset stomach, or throwing up
- Very bad weakness of the legs
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
If you have a family member or relative with long-term kidney disease, talk to your doctor about how often you should have your kidneys checked. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, swelling, no urine, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
National Kidney Disease Education Program ‚
http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/patients/healthy_kidneys.htm ‚
National Kidney Foundation ‚
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/pdf/choosing_treat.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚