Nephrology nursing journal : journal of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association
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Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom for adult patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis, and has been associated with decreased survival and quality of life. Patients on hemodialysis must find ways to manage their fatigue and mitigate its effects on their lives. ⋯ Several themes were identified which included the nature of fatigue, management of fatigue, consequences of fatigue, and factors associated with fatigue. This information will be valuable to nephrology nurses as they continue to care for and educate patients on hemodialysis.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI), or acute renal failure, is associated with hospital stays, increased economic costs, and significant mortality, particularly in the context of critically ill patients in the intensive care setting. Numerous factors contribute to the development of AKI, including reductions in renal blood flow, actions of nephrotoxic drugs, cellular injury or death of proximal tubular cells, and the proinflammatory responses of renal cells. ⋯ Dysfunction of the microcirculation subsequently causes blood flow disruption and obstruction in the microcirculation, as well as ensuing ischemia. Prompt recognition and treatment of sepsis may decrease the incidence of AKI mortality and its effects on other organ systems.