Question

Which of the following patients is at the greatest risk of developing acute kidney injury? A

patient who
a. has been on aminoglycosides for the past 6 days
b. has a history of controlled hypertension with a blood pressure of 138/88 mm Hg
c. was discharged 2 weeks earlier after aminoglycoside therapy of 2 weeks
d. has a history of fluid overload as a result of heart failure

Answer 1

The patient who is at the greatest risk of developing acute kidney injury is option A, the patient who has been on aminoglycosides for the past 6 days.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that have known nephrotoxic effects, meaning they can damage the kidneys. Prolonged use of aminoglycosides can lead to acute kidney injury.

Aminoglycosides are known to be potentially nephrotoxic, and their toxicity is related to the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose. Continuous exposure over several days can significantly elevate the risk of AKI.

Patients with a history of controlled hypertension or those who have had previous aminoglycoside therapy but are currently discharged are at lesser risk compared to active exposure.

The other options presented in the question are not as significant as a risk factor for acute kidney injury compared to aminoglycoside use. History of controlled hypertension (option B) or fluid overload due to heart failure (option D) can contribute to kidney damage over time but are not as immediate or directly linked to acute kidney injury like aminoglycoside use.