Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

What is a common cause of pre-renal AKI?

1. Chronic hypertension

2. Decreased cardiac output

3. Urinary tract infection

4. Kidney stones

The correct answer is: Decreased cardiac output

Pre-renal acute kidney injury (AKI) is primarily caused by a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys, which compromises their function. Decreased cardiac output is a significant contributor to this reduction in blood flow. When the heart is unable to pump an adequate volume of blood, the kidneys receive less blood, resulting in diminished perfusion. This lack of perfusion can trigger the kidney's compensatory mechanisms, leading to a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and ultimately resulting in pre-renal AKI. In clinical practice, conditions that lead to decreased cardiac output, such as congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmias, or heart attacks, are important to recognize as they can precipitate acute kidney injury. By understanding this connection, nephrology nurses can better assess patients at risk and implement strategies to maintain adequate kidney perfusion, preserve kidney function, and provide appropriate interventions.