Nephrology Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Nephrology?

Nephrology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the kidneys. It involves the study of how the kidneys work, how they can be affected by a variety of conditions and illnesses, and how to manage these conditions in order to preserve kidney health. Nephrologists are trained physicians who specialize in this field, and they diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders affecting the kidneys. These include chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, infections and inflammatory diseases such as lupus or vasculitis.The goal of nephrology is to prevent or slow down progression of kidney disease through early detection, proper management, and lifestyle changes when possible. Treatment plans typically involve medications to help control symptoms such as high blood pressure or swelling; dialysis if needed; dietary modifications; lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking; vaccinations against certain infections or potential complications; regular monitoring for any new problems that may arise due to an existing condition; and referrals for additional tests or procedures when necessary. Nephrologists also provide guidance about long-term care options for those with advanced stages of CKD or AKI.In addition to diagnosing existing renal diseases and providing treatment plans, nephrologists also play an important role in identifying risk factors for developing renal disease in patients who have not yet been diagnosed with one. They may recommend preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and dieting, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or drug use, controlling diabetes properly if present, managing high blood pressure levels through medication if necessary, following immunization protocols recommended by your doctor etc., depending on individual patient’s risk factors. This helps ensure that any complication from existing renal illness can be identified early enough before it becomes more serious so that appropriate treatments can be started right away.