Treatment for Acute Renal Failure ARF

Preventive Measures

• Identify patients with preexisting renal disease.
• Initiate adequate hydration before, during, and after any procedure requiring NPO status.
• Avoid exposure to nephrotoxins. Be aware that the majority of drugs or their metabolites are excreted by the kidneys.
• Monitor chronic analgesic use some drugs may cause interstitial nephritis and papillary necrosis.
• Prevent and treat shock with blood and fluid replacement. Prevent prolonged periods of hypotension.
• Monitor urinary output and CVP hourly in critically ill patients to detect onset of renal failure at the earliest moment.
• Schedule diagnostic studies requiring dehydration so there are rest days, especially in aged who may not have adequate renal reserve.
• Pay special attention to draining wounds, burns, and so forth, which can lead to dehydration and sepsis and progressive renal damage.
• Avoid infection; give meticulous care to patients with indwelling catheters and I.V. lines.
• Take every precaution to make sure that the right person receives the right blood to avoid severe transfusion reactions, which can precipitate renal complications.

Corrective and Supportive Measures

• Correct reversible causes of acute renal failure (eg, improve renal perfusion; maximize cardiac output, surgical relief of obstruction).
• Be alert for and correct underlying fluid excesses or deficits.
• Correct and control biochemical imbalances treatment of hyperkalemia.
• Restore and maintain blood pressure.
• Maintain nutrition.
• Initiate hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy for patients with progressive renal failure and other life-threatening complications.

Patient teaching & home health guidance for patient with renal failure acute

• Explain that the patient may experience residual defects in kidney function for long period after acute illness.
• Encourage reporting for routine urinalysis and follow-up examinations.
• Advise avoidance of any medications unless specifically prescribed.
• Recommend resuming activity gradually because muscle weakness will be present from excessive catabolism.

Posted in: Home Health Guidance, Nursing Treatment, Patient Teaching