Master Chronic Glomerulonephritis Interventions with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Patients with renal dysfunction often have serious issues with blood pressure regulation. Decreased blood flow to the kidneys stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This overstimulation must be managed often times by multiple antihypertensive medications.

Erythropoietin (Epogen) is given as a supplemental medication to the normal erythropoietin synthesized by the kidneys. This allows for the stimulation of red blood cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Patients are often also given iron supplementation.

Cytotoxic medications are prescribed for patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, as these medications affect the immunopathologic mechanisms associated with the disease.

Dialysis removes toxins that the kidneys normally filter out of the bloodstream. It also allows for electrolytes to be normalized.

Plasmapheresis is the process of removing blood plasma from blood circulation to allow for removal of toxins and then returning the treated plasma back to the patient.

The only definitive treatment for this condition if it is unresponsive to other therapies is a kidney transplant.