La clasificación de la lesión renal aguda: una herramienta para las enfermeras de críticos

In acute illnesses, patients may present associations between several pathologies. Kidney failure is one of the most common in critically ill patients.

Urea, creatinine and potassium blood levels, among others, are indicative of renal function and the health professionals need to be acted upon to maintain the patients’ internal functions without vital risk. Addressing these elements become a central element in the management and treatment of critically ill patients.

The assessment of this disorder in early stages is complicated. Therefore, continuous monitoring is a key element in the prevention of worsening due to various clinical situations such as, for example, renal dysfunction secondary to nephrotoxic drugs in frail patients. This clinical assessment, carried out correctly, enables health professionals to perform early intervention. This text will provide an approach to the classification of acute kidney injury as a tool to promote the prevention and to detect the incidence. For critical care staff, these concepts are essential to ensure high quality healthcare.