Answer to Question 1
Kidneys help maintain our fluid and electrolyte balance; hence, they play a major role in the maintenance of our blood pressure and heart/brain health. Kidneys also filter water-soluble waste products, so if they were not operating normally, for example, nitrogen from breakdown of protein would not get filtered and it would build up to toxic levels. Fluids would also be retained, causing a condition called edema which may possibly lead to a serious health condition known as congestive heart failure. Kidneys synthesize erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to create red blood cells, so the individual with impaired kidney function requires more iron due to loss of RBCs or possibly intermittent blood transfusions. In the body, vitamin D is a hormone that aids in the balance of calcium and phosphorus and can only be activated for function by the kidney. If the individual with limited kidney function does not take vitamin D supplements, then effects of poor calcium/phosphorus may arise, such as osteomalacia and osteopenia.
Answer to Question 2
Hemodialysis requires 2-4 hours of inpatient care at 2-3 day intervals. Time away from daily activities would limit ones ability to carry a full course load or maintain a full-time job, as well as access to social events that would occur during the set time-frame. Finances may be affected not only due to time away but also due to the possible fatigue from treatment. Changes in appetite and composition of meals occur due to limitations of fluid, protein, potassium, and phosphorus intake.
Hydronephrosis. Normal kidney (left) and kidney with hydronephrosis (right) are compared. Note the d
Polycystic kidney disease. Notice the presence of numerous fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, in these kid
Muscles of the right hand back view
Eleanor Antin, Minetta Lane—A Ghost Story.
Markets and Institutions Market Story Problem
Antidiuretic hormone regulates water excretion from the kidneys