Acute Kidney injury

This chapter helps the reader to understand the different types and causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and helps and supports the patient and family during an episode of AKI. It describes the signs and symptoms of AKI, analyses the management of those with AKI, and evaluates the various treatment options for AKI. The chapter emphasises the vital role the nurse plays in the prevention of progression to AKI, progression of AKI through the stages, and of the delivery of care for the patient in AKI. AKI may be divided into three major categories: pre-renal, renal, and post-renal. The treatment options for AKI fall broadly into two categories: intermittent treatments (acute haemodialysis [HD] and haemodiafiltration [HDF]) and continuous kidney replacement therapy, of which there are three basic types: continuous haemofiltration, continuous HD, and continuous HDF.