Final answer:
The nurse will caution the parents of a child who has had a nephrectomy to avoid contact sports, horseback riding, and diuretic medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse will caution the parents of a child who has had a nephrectomy to avoid contact sports, horseback riding, and diuretic medications.
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a kidney. There are different types of nephrectomy procedures, and they are performed for various medical reasons. Here are the main types of nephrectomy:
Total Nephrectomy: In a total nephrectomy, the entire kidney is removed. This procedure is often performed when a kidney is extensively damaged due to conditions such as kidney cancer, severe infections, or trauma. Total nephrectomy may also be done for kidney donation in the context of living kidney donation.
Partial Nephrectomy: In a partial nephrectomy (also called nephron-sparing surgery), only the diseased or damaged part of the kidney is removed, while the healthy portion is preserved. This approach is commonly used when the goal is to remove a tumor or a small portion of the kidney while preserving as much kidney function as possible. It is often preferred when the patient has only one functional kidney or when the other kidney is compromised.
Radical Nephrectomy: A radical nephrectomy involves the removal of the entire kidney along with surrounding tissues, such as the adrenal gland, lymph nodes, and sometimes, parts of the surrounding structures. This procedure is often performed for the treatment of kidney cancer.
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: Increasingly, nephrectomies are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. In laparoscopic nephrectomy, small incisions are made, and a camera and specialized instruments are used to perform the surgery. This approach typically results in less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Nephrectomy: Robotic-assisted nephrectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon uses a robotic system to control surgical instruments. This approach allows for increased precision and dexterity, often leading to faster recovery times.
Nephrectomy is a serious surgical procedure, and the choice of the specific type of nephrectomy depends on the patient's medical condition, the reason for the surgery, and the extent of kidney involvement. The decision to perform a nephrectomy is made based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health and the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.