Glomerulonephritis –Diagnostic Tests
- ASO titer ( anti streptolysine O)
- BUN
- Serum creatinine
- Serum electrolytes
- Urinalysis
- KUB x-ray
- Kidney scan or biopsy
Complications of acute glomerulonephritis
- Hypertensive encephalopathy,
- Heart failure,
- Pulmonary edema,
- Without treatment, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) develops in a matter of weeks or
months.
Glomerulonephritis –Treatment
- Focus is on identifying and treating underlying disease process and preserving kidney
function
- If residual streptococcal infection is suspected, penicillin.
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressant medications may be prescribed for patients
with rapidly progressive acute glomerulonephritis.
- Dietary protein is restricted when renal insufficiency (elevated BUN) develop.
- Sodium is restricted when the patient has hypertension, edema, and heart failure.
- Loop diuretic and antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to control
hypertension.
- Bed rest during acute phase.
Glomerulonephritis –Nursing Care
- Decrease protein and increase CHO to prevent protein breakdown.
- Accurate I & O (consider insensible loss)