AACN advanced critical care
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disease in the acutely ill patient population, as a singular diagnosis or a complication of sepsis, causing significant mortality and morbidity. Progress in diagnosis, treatment, and research in AKI has been limited by the lack of a universally accepted clinical definition. ⋯ An update on the most recent concepts affecting renal pathophysiology in AKI is also presented. Current clinical tools used in diagnosing and monitoring AKI, including the development of renal biomarkers, are discussed.
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Delivery of renal replacement therapy is now a core competency of intensive care nursing. The safe and effective delivery of this form of therapy is a quality issue for intensive care, requiring an understanding of the principles underlying therapy and the functioning of machines used. ⋯ Current continuous renal replacement therapy machines offer user-friendly interfaces, cassette-style circuits, and comprehensive circuit diagnostics and monitoring. Although these machines conceal complexity behind a user-friendly interface, it remains important that nurses have sufficient knowledge for their use and the ability to compare and contrast circuit setups and functions for optimal and efficient treatment.