Renal System

1 in 7 Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease, whether they know it or not. After viewing this module, you will gain skills in renal assessment, tips for identifying the causes and clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, and a greater understanding of why every nurse is a kidney nurse.

Featuring—

Nancy Colobong Smith, MN, ARNP, CNN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Renal and Transplant, UW Medicine/UW Medical Center; Affiliate Instructor, Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, UW School of Nursing, Seattle

Comments from Past Participants

"There were so many take-aways from this lecture. I really learned a lot about the kidneys and the roles nurses can play in maintaining kidney health. I am more confident in my ability to keep my patients' kidneys healthy. We are all kidney nurses."

"The background information in the beginning of the lecture made me aware of how easy it can be for patients in the hospital to develop acute kidney injury. I can tell the speaker is very passionate and knowledgeable about kidneys. Thank you for opening my eyes to the renal system and how important it is for my patients!"

Objectives for Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be better able to:

1. Identify populations at higher risk for kidney disease.
2. Describe the functions of the kidney.
3. Discuss how to assess for acute kidney injury.
4. State causes of chronic kidney disease.
5. Describe manifestations of chronic kidney disease.
6. Discuss options for renal replacement therapy.