Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing
Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing
Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing
Question 43
a). Define the term Glomerulonephritis
b).Explain 5(five) risk factors for Glomerulonephritis
c).Describe the nursing concern of a patient with Glomerulonephritis
Solution
a) Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of the filtering structures (nephrons) of the kidneys. Leading to
haematuria and proteinuria due to increased permeability of glomerulus
Or
Glomerulonephritis is a condition in which the tissues of the kidney become inflamed and have problems
with filtering wastes from the blood.
Follow of an infection such as streptococcal sore throat bacteria, bacterial endocardiatis, HIV, viral
kidney infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.these lead to the buildup of antibodies which form
antigen-antibody complexes which leads to inflammation of the tissues of the kidney and the
glomurulorus.
Sclerotic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, and focal segmental
glomerulosclrrosis.these cause scaring of the glomeruli and kidney tissue leading to inflammation and in
the rate of blood flow through the glomerulus which leads to glomerulonephritis
Auto immune diseases: they are illness caused by the immune system attacking health tissues for
example: systemic lupus, erythrotus which affect the kidneys, good pastures syndrome creates anti
bodies to tissues in the lungs and kidneys
Vasculitis; this is the inflammation of blood vessels, blood vessels in the kidney are inflamed which leads
to the inflammation of the kidney nephrons and kidney tissues
Exposure to toxins, these damage the kidney nephrons and cause them to inflame for example
hydrocarbons which leads to Glomerulonephritis
Tumors such systemic lumps erythematosus which affect the kidney nephrons and lead to inflammation
of the kidney tissue leading to Glomerulonephritis
Family history of kidney diseases such as alport syndrome (inherited glumerulus) which puts people in
the family at a risk of suffering from glumerulophritis.
Having other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, increased blood sugars cause the
scaring of the kidney tissues and increase the rate of blood flow through then kidney which leads to
inflammation of the glomeruli.
Other risk factors are taking certain medicines, past or current kidney problems.
AIMS
ADMISSION
The bed must be elevated to reduce the edematous swellings by reducing fluid flow to the legs.
POSITION
The patient is put in spine position and put to complete rest in order to reduce the blood pressure of the
patient
OBSERVATIONS
Vital observations such as blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse rate and temperature are noted
Blood pressure should be managed to overload in order to prevent kidney damage due to an increased
blood pressure.
Respiratory rate and lung sounds are taken due to pulmonary oedema which leads to respiratory distress
which should reduced
Blood sugars also monitored to reduce scaring of the glomerulus and increase rate of blood flow to the
kidneys
Fluid intake and output is noted to easily identify fluid retention in the patient.
Colour of urine is noted to measure the intensity of haematuria and proteinuria in a patient
DIET
Restrict fluid intake in order to reduce on the fluid over load and also monitor input and output using a
daily chart in order to encourage balance between patients’ intake and out put
Restrict salt intake mostly potassium and phosphates reduce retaining of fluids in the blood
Encourage a high protein diet in order to revise the protein concentration in blood which one lost
Protein diet increases the oncologic pressure of blood which prevents leakage of fluids into the tissues
hence reducing oedema
EXERCISES
Teach deep breathing exercise relaxation techniques to the patient in order to allow the patient to relax
while at rest and to facilitate effective stress management.
Reduce on the physical activity of the patient in order to reduce the patient blood pressure.
THERAPY
IV albumin is administered in order to increase osmotic pressure of blood which prevents the leaking of
fluids into the tissue hence reducing the swelling.
Antiduretics such as frusemid are administered in order to increase urinary output which reduces fluid
over load.
Antihypertensive such as nifedipine, captoprill are administered in order to decrease blood pressure which
is caused by increased blood volume.
The patient is reassured in order to array anxiety keep his/her mental status on line.
Elevating of the leg of the patient to prevent fluid flow to the legs which reduce swelling.
The patient is put to rest in order to regulate the patient blood pressure.
A urinary catheter is inserted into the patient in order to let out urine and prevent ulceration of the patient
by the burning effect of urine incase the patient is incontinent.
Nasal gastric tube is inserted for feeding the patient in case the patient is unable to feed.
Strict calculation of input and output balance the fluid in the body.
Plural effusion is done in order to drain the fluid from the lungs which relieves respiratory distress.
Advice on discharge.
The patient is advised to take proteins rich food which contain albumin and these increase the osmotic
pressure of hence reducing leakages of fluids in the tissue.
The patient is restricted from smoking and taking alcohol in order to maintain the function of the kidney.
The patient is restricted from taking high salt diet in order to reduce blood pressure of patient.
The patient is advised to treat infection at the early stage in order to prevent bacterial overload in
glomerulus.
Ref: Toophey’s medicine 15th edition, mcyochnic org, nuisestudy.net, runjaneid science.com,
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