Renal and urinary tract conditions

Abstract Renal conditions can be an acute health problem or a debilitating life-limiting condition. Renal failure can present as slowly progressing chronic kidney disease or as acute life-threatening medical emergencies known as acute kidney injury. People with chronic kidney failure will normally be cared for by specialist nurses and clinical teams working in hospital or community settings. General adult nurses will encounter people with kidney disease in all areas of clinical practice, either as a primary complaint or as a secondary complication of other disorders or treatments. This chapter outlines key facts about kidney disease which are likely to be useful to the general nurse. These include an overview of renal conditions and the principles of renal replacement therapy. Common urinary tract conditions and the management of urinary incontinence are also discussed, as are key nursing considerations when working with people with renal or urinary tract disorders. An overview of frequently prescribed medicines for renal and urinary tract conditions is presented in a summary table.