NCLEX RN Practice Question # 592
NCLEX Examination.
Practice Question # 592.
Naplex
Glomerulonephritis
Description
- Term that includes a variety of disorders, most of which are caused by an immunological reaction
- Results in proliferative and inflammatory changes within the glomerular structure
- Destruction, inflammation, and sclerosis of the glomeruli of both kidneys occur.
- The inflammation of the glomeruli results from an antigen-antibody reaction produced from an infection or autoimmune process elsewhere in the body.
- Loss of kidney function occurs.
Causes
- Immunological or autoimmune diseases
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection
- History of pharyngitis or tonsillitis 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms
Types
- Acute glomerulonephritis occurs 5 to 21 days after a streptococcal infection.
- Chronic glomerulonephritis can occur after the acute phase or slowly over time.
Assessment
- Gross hematuria
- Dark, smoky, cola-colored or red-brown urine
- Proteinuria that produces a persistent and excessive foam in the urine
- Urinary debris
- Moderately elevated to high urine specific gravity
- Low urinary pH
- Urinalysis shows large numbers of erythrocytes
- Oliguria or anuria
- Headache
- Chills and fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
- Pallor
- Edema in the face, periorbital area, feet, or generalized
- Shortness of breath, ascites, pleural effusion, and CHF
- Abdominal or flank pain
- Hypertension
- Reduced visual acuity