Acute Glomerulonephritis Case Study

Acute glomerulonephritis occurs most commonly when glomerular capillaries become inflamed with immune complex deposits post infectious diseases. These deposits occlude the filtration of the glomerular capillaries causing an excess retention of water and sodium in the body (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1013). The initial triad of symptoms that should be assessed for in a patient with this disorder are edema, specifically around the eyes in the morning but also gonadal, abdominal, and in the lower extremities of the body as the day progresses, hematuria, the patient’s urine output should be noted for both color and amount, and hypertension. It would also help to know the patient’s illness history and the illness history of family members because

The patient’s intake and output should also be monitored closely because it is a direct sign of the function of the kidneys. The most severe complications related to acute glomerulonephritis that may occur include hypertensive encephalopathy, acute cardiac decompensation, and acute renal failure. The occurrence of hypertension and cardiac decompensation are directly related to hypervolemia. Interventions for hypervolemia include the regular monitoring of vital signs, body weight, and the patient’s intake and output. Patients can also be given medications as prescribed for hypervolemia such as loop diuretics to try and remove some of the excess fluid or, in the case of more severe hypertension, patients can receive antihypertensive medications such as calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. If a patient’s blood pressure has become dangerously high and there is a chance of seizures then the patient must receive anticonvulsant therapy as well. If the patient is in acute renal failure then the loop diuretics will not work properly and serve no purpose. Due to the excess fluid and the non-functioning of the kidneys these

The family of the patient should be advised that there is no specific treatment of the direct disorder, acute glomerulonephritis, but instead a treatment of the specific symptoms that may manifest in the patient depending on the severity of their diagnosis. They should also be aware that the recovery from acute glomerulonephritis is spontaneous and most all patients do fully recover. If the patient’s symptoms are not severe then hospitalization is not necessary and they can be treated at home (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1015). The family should be taught the signs and symptoms that the patient may not be recovering as they should. If the patient is not urinating as much or if their urine is becoming darker then they must see a doctor. If their level of consciousness changes it should be considered an emergency. If they notice swelling in the patient that is increasing it is a sign that the patient is not recovering properly. The care giver of the patient should also know that a regular diet is generally permitted in patients without complications but sodium should be restricted due to the chance of excess fluid retention. Those patients that are experiencing hypertension and edema will be placed on