Final answer:
The Diuretic phase occurs after the oliguric phase in acute kidney injury (AKI) and is marked by increased urine output. This phase signifies the beginning of kidney healing and is followed by a Recovery phase where renal function normalizes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase that occurs after the oliguric phase in acute kidney injury (AKI) is the Diuretic phase. During the oliguric phase, there is a decreased urine output, often less than 400 ml per day, which may follow an episode of acute renal failure. After this initial phase, the kidneys begin to recover, which leads to the diuretic phase where there is an increase in urine output. This diuresis can occur as the damaged nephrons start to heal, and it signifies the kidney's recovery process towards normal function. The diuretic phase is followed by the Recovery phase, where the tubular function is restored, and the kidney gradually returns to its normal state, including the correction of fluid and electrolyte balance.
It is worth noting that drugs affecting the Loop of Henle can alter sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) reabsorption, which can also lead to diuresis; however, this is pharmacologically induced and different from the diuretic phase of acute kidney injury recovery. Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes mellitus may also produce diuresis through osmotic effects. The hormone ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) plays a vital role in regulating water recovery in the kidneys, particularly in the collecting ducts, by influencing water reabsorption.