Introduction
Hey future nurses! If you’re diving into the world of kidney-related disorders, then acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) is probably something you’ve come across. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you in a way that’s both clear and easy to understand. So, what exactly is acute glomerulonephritis? Well, it’s a condition where the tiny filtering units of the kidneys, called glomeruli, become inflamed, leading to a whole range of symptoms that can affect kidney function.
As a nursing student, you need to be prepared to create an effective nursing care plan for acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) to provide the best possible care for your patients. But before we get into the specifics of the care plan, let’s cover some important foundational information you’ll need to know, like the acute glomerulonephritis definition, causes, symptoms, and types. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with everything yet; we’ll go over it all!


This guide will help you not only ace your nursing assignments but also equip you with the knowledge to manage acute glomerulonephritis nursing management effectively in a clinical setting. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Patient Information (For Example Only)
To make things more relatable, here’s an example of patient data you might work with when developing an acute glomerulonephritis nursing care plan:
- Name: [Patient’s Name]
- Age: [Patient’s Age]
- Gender: [Patient’s Gender]
- Medical History: [A brief summary of the patient’s relevant medical history, such as a past strep throat infection]
- Symptoms: Swelling in the face and legs, dark-colored urine, fatigue, high blood pressure
- Medical Diagnosis: Acute Glomerulonephritis (AGN)
- Admission Date: [Admission Date]
- Care Plan Initiated: [Care Plan Start Date]
Note: This patient data is for educational purposes and is not real.
Understanding Acute Glomerulonephritis
Before jumping into the nursing care plan for acute glomerulonephritis, it’s essential to understand what AGN is all about. So, let’s break it down.
What is Acute Glomerulonephritis?
Acute glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the glomeruli—the small filtering units of the kidneys. When these glomeruli become inflamed, they can’t filter blood effectively, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the body. This can cause swelling (edema), high blood pressure, and changes in urine color, making it crucial for nurses to recognize these symptoms early.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Acute Glomerulonephritis?
Now, you’re probably wondering, what is the most common cause of acute glomerulonephritis? It’s often triggered by a bacterial infection, most notably a previous streptococcal infection (like strep throat). However, other causes can include:
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus)
- Viral infections (such as hepatitis or HIV)
- IgA nephropathy (a condition where a protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys)
In some cases, acute glomerulonephritis can be a result of systemic infections or as a complication of certain chronic diseases.
Types of Acute Glomerulonephritis
There are several types of acute glomerulonephritis, but the most common ones include:
- Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis: Often follows an infection, particularly a streptococcal infection.
- IgA Nephropathy: A condition where the IgA protein builds up in the kidneys and causes inflammation.
- Lupus Nephritis: A complication of lupus that causes kidney inflammation.
- Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN): A severe form that progresses quickly and can lead to kidney failure.
Acute Glomerulonephritis Symptoms
So, how do you know if a patient has acute glomerulonephritis? Here are some common acute glomerulonephritis symptoms to look out for:
- Dark-colored urine (often described as “cola-colored”)
- Edema (swelling in the face, legs, and ankles)
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
- Decreased urine output
- Shortness of breath in severe cases
These symptoms may vary from patient to patient, so always conduct a thorough assessment to catch them early.
Nursing Care Plan for Acute Glomerulonephritis
Nursing Assessment
The first step in creating a nursing care plan for acute glomerulonephritis is conducting a thorough assessment. This helps you understand what’s going on and guides your interventions.
Subjective Data (What the Patient Feels)
- Patient might complain of fatigue, difficulty breathing, or discomfort due to swelling.
- They may report changes in urine color, describing it as dark or rusty.
Objective Data (What You Observe)
- Vital Signs: Check for elevated blood pressure (common in AGN) or tachycardia (increased heart rate).
- Urine Output: Monitor for oliguria (decreased urine output) or the presence of dark-colored urine.
- Edema: Assess for swelling, especially in the face, legs, and ankles.
- Laboratory Results: Look for elevated creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which indicate kidney dysfunction.
Nursing Diagnosis for Acute Glomerulonephritis
Once you’ve done your assessment, you can identify key nursing diagnoses for acute glomerulonephritis. These help you organize your care plan and focus on the most pressing issues.
- Excess Fluid Volume related to decreased kidney function (as evidenced by edema and decreased urine output).
- Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to edema and prolonged bed rest.
- Fatigue related to decreased renal function and poor oxygenation.
- Ineffective Renal Perfusion related to inflammation of the glomeruli.
- Risk for Infection related to compromised immune function (especially if the cause is an infection).
Nursing Interventions and Rationales
Here’s a table of nursing interventions for acute glomerulonephritis with explanations of why each is important:
Intervention | Rationale |
---|---|
Monitor vital signs regularly, especially blood pressure. | High blood pressure is common in AGN and can lead to complications like stroke or heart failure if not controlled. |
Assess urine output and characteristics (color, amount). | Monitoring urine output and color helps you track kidney function and detect any worsening of the condition. |
Administer prescribed medications (e.g., diuretics, antihypertensives). | Medications help control symptoms like fluid retention and high blood pressure, improving overall kidney function. |
Encourage rest and limit physical activity. | Resting reduces strain on the kidneys and helps manage fatigue and swelling. |
Educate the patient on fluid restriction and dietary changes. | Proper diet and fluid management can prevent further complications, like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance. |
Acute Glomerulonephritis Nursing Management
As a nurse, your role in acute glomerulonephritis nursing management goes beyond just administering medications. It involves a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
- Fluid Management: Restricting fluid intake is crucial in managing edema and preventing further kidney stress. You’ll want to monitor fluid balance closely.
- Blood Pressure Control: AGN often leads to high blood pressure, so managing it with antihypertensive medications is important to protect kidney function.
- Dietary Considerations: A low-sodium, low-protein diet can help reduce kidney workload and manage symptoms of AGN. Ensure the patient understands this dietary change.
- Emotional Support: Dealing with a kidney condition like AGN can be stressful. Provide support and ensure the patient is aware of available resources for coping with their illness.
Nursing Goals
As part of your care plan, you should aim for specific nursing goals to guide the patient’s recovery:
- The patient will maintain stable blood pressure within normal limits.
- The patient will demonstrate a decrease in edema and improved urine output.
- The patient will report reduced fatigue and increased energy levels within 48 hours.
- The patient will verbalize understanding of dietary and fluid restrictions to manage their condition.
Evaluation and Expected Outcomes
Once you’ve implemented your nursing care plan, evaluate the patient’s progress:
- Blood pressure should remain within normal limits, showing that antihypertensive treatments are effective.
- Fluid retention and edema should decrease, indicating improved kidney function.
- The patient should report feeling less fatigued and more energetic after following rest and dietary guidelines.
- The patient should demonstrate understanding and adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions.
FAQ Section
What is acute glomerulonephritis?
It’s an inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, which impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood.
What causes acute glomerulonephritis?
The most common cause is a previous streptococcal infection (like strep throat), but it can also be caused by autoimmune diseases or viral infections.
What are the symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis?
Symptoms include swelling, dark-colored urine, fatigue, high blood pressure, and decreased urine output.
How is acute glomerulonephritis treated?
Treatment typically involves managing symptoms like fluid overload and high blood pressure, along with medications like diuretics and antihypertensive.
What are the types of acute glomerulonephritis?
The common types include post-infectious glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.