Author Question: Now that you understand the role of the kidneys, think back to Marys story about her experience with ... (Read 27 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

Now that you understand the role of the kidneys, think back to Marys story about her experience with impaired kidney function and hemodialysis. How does impaired kidney function impact a persons health?

Question 2

Impaired kidney function and hemodialysis treatments affect almost every aspect of a persons lifefrom what that person eats to how long he or she can stay away on vacation. If this were to happen to you, how would it change your daily routines and lifestyle?

rekilledagain · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

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.