Final answer:
Fluid overload in acute kidney injury can occur due to reasons such as hypovolemia and loss of effective vascular volume control. In AKI, pathophysiological changes include decreased urine production, body water and fluid disturbances, and electrolyte derangement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathophysiology of Fluid Overload in Acute Kidney Injury
In acute kidney injury (AKI), fluid overload can occur due to several reasons. One common cause is hypovolemia, which is a decreased blood volume caused by factors such as dehydration or excessive diuretic use. When the body is dehydrated, there is a reduction in the volume of body water, which can lead to intracellular edema, impaired circulation, and impaired kidney function.
Another cause of fluid overload in AKI is the loss of effective vascular volume control. A loss of renal function can result in hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure), both of which can contribute to fluid accumulation in the body.
Pathophysiological Changes in Acute Kidney Injury
In AKI, there are several pathophysiological changes that occur. These include:
Decreased urine production: AKI is characterized by a decrease in urine production, called oliguria. This is often quantified as less than 400 ml per day in adults. The decreased urine production leads to fluid retention and fluid overload.
Body water and fluid disturbances: AKI can disrupt the balance of body water and fluids. This can result in electrolyte imbalances and changes in the volume of body water, leading to symptoms such as edema and impaired circulation.
Electrolyte derangement: AKI can also disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. This can result in imbalances of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride ions. These imbalances can further contribute to fluid overload and other complications.