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Showing posts from September, 2023

Reasons why you should protect yourself from kidney failure

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Dialysis is a medical procedure used to artificially remove waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining the body's balance of electrolytes and fluid levels. When the kidneys are damaged or not functioning correctly, the buildup of waste products and fluid can lead to serious health problems. There are two main types of dialysis: 1. Hemodialysis (HD):   In hemodialysis, a machine called a hemodialyzer is used to filter the blood. During the procedure, a patient's blood is pumped from their body into the hemodialyzer, which contains a special filter (dialyzer). Inside the dialyzer, blood flows through small tubes while a special dialysis solution (dialysate) circulates around the tubes. The dialysate helps remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. After the blood is cleansed, it is returned to the patien...

Love Your Kidney

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Kidney The kidneys are vital organs in the human body responsible for several crucial functions related to maintaining overall health and homeostasis. Here are some key aspects of the kidneys and their functions: 1. Filtration and Excretion: The primary function of the kidneys is to filter waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream, including toxins, metabolic waste, and excess ions (e.g., potassium, sodium, and calcium). These waste products are then excreted as urine. 2. Regulation of Blood Pressure: The kidneys play a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure. They help control blood pressure by adjusting the volume of blood (through regulating fluid balance) and by secreting the enzyme renin, which is involved in the regulation of blood vessel constriction and dilation. 3. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: The kidneys maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) in the body. This balance is essential for proper cell function and overall...

Liver function test

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  A liver function test, also known as a liver panel or hepatic function panel, is a group of blood tests that are used to assess the health and function of the liver. These tests provide valuable information about the liver's ability to process and metabolize substances, as well as its overall condition. Liver function tests typically include several individual tests, each measuring specific aspects of liver function. Some common tests included in a liver function panel are: 1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. 2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): AST is another enzyme found in the liver, but it's also present in other organs like the heart and muscles. Elevated AST levels can suggest liver damage or injury, but it's less specific for liver function than ALT. 3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts. Elevate...

Tips on Nursing Care Plan Examples [+ NANDA Outline & How-to]

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A nursing care plan is a document that outlines the specific needs of an individual who requires nursing care. It should be created before any care is given, in order to ensure that all needs are met and that the individual receives the best possible care. This article offers nursing care plan examples and includes a NANDA outline and a guide on how to develop a nursing care plan. (Nursing Care Plan Examples) Elements Of A Nursing Care Plan There are many elements that should be included in a nursing care plan, including: (importance of nursing care plan pdf) 1. A diagnosis of the individual’s illness or injury(Nursing Care Plan Examples) 2. A description of the individual’s symptoms and how they impact their daily life 3. A description of any treatments or therapies the individual will require 4. A plan for home health care, if necessary(Nursing Care Plan Examples) 5. A timetable for when each step in the treatment or rehabilitation process will happen 6. A list of any personal belo...

Potassium disorders

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Potassium disorders Potassium disorders refer to abnormal levels of potassium in the bloodstream, either too low (hypokalemia) or too high (hyperkalemia). These disorders can lead to a range of symptoms and manifestations, some of which can be serious and life-threatening. Here are the common manifestations of potassium disorders: Signs and Symptoms Hypokalemia (Low Potassium): 1. Muscle Weakness: One of the most common symptoms of hypokalemia is muscle weakness, particularly in the legs. This weakness can progress to the point of paralysis in severe cases. 2. Muscle Cramps: Individuals with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps, especially in the legs and abdominal area. 3. Irregular Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Low potassium levels can affect the electrical activity of the heart, leading to potentially dangerous arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Severe hypokalemia can result in cardiac arrest. 4. Fatigue: Generalized fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of hypokalemia. 5...

Facts about blood grouping

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Blood groups and its compatibility Blood grouping (or blood typing) is based on the presence or absence of specific antigens and antibodies in the blood. Here's a brief overview: 1. A, B, AB, and O Blood Groups:    - A: Has A antigens on the surface of the red blood cells and B antibodies in the plasma.    - B: Has B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells and A antibodies in the plasma.    - AB: Has both A and B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells and no A or B antibodies in the plasma. (Universal recipient)    - O: Has no A or B antigens on the surface of the red blood cells but has both A and B antibodies in the plasma. (Universal donor) 2. Rh Factor:    - Rh+: Has the Rh factor (or D antigen) on the surface of the red blood cells.    -Rh: Does not have the Rh factor. Therefore, when combining the ABO system with the Rh factor, we have 8 possible blood types:  A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.