Kidney: The Renal System Quiz

High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. When these vessels are damaged, they are unable to effectively filter waste from the blood as they are supposed to. This can lead to kidney damage and dysfunction.

The nephron is the functional and structural unit of the kidneys. It is responsible for the filtration, reabsorption, and secretion of substances in the urine. The nephron loop, glomerular capsule, and capsular space are all components of the nephron, but the nephron as a whole is the correct answer as it encompasses all of these structures.

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of kidney disease. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste and fluids from the body. Diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, can also lead to kidney damage by causing high blood sugar levels, which can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. Both conditions can progressively worsen kidney function over time, leading to kidney disease.

High levels of circulating glucose can cause glomeruli damage. When a person has diabetes, their body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. The glomeruli are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste products from the blood. When there is excess glucose in the blood, it can damage the glomeruli over time. This damage can lead to a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which is a common cause of kidney damage in people with diabetes.

The given statement is false. A Renal Function Panel (Kidney Function Test) is not only used once kidney disease is detected. It is actually used as an advanced screening test to help detect conditions affecting the kidneys. This means that it can be used as a preventive measure to identify any potential kidney issues before they become more serious or symptomatic.

Cystatin C is the correct answer because it is an enzyme that is primarily used as a biomarker of renal function. It is capable of detecting mild decreases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a measure of kidney function. Unlike other biomarkers like creatinine and BUN, cystatin C is minimally affected by factors such as age, muscle mass, gender, and race. This makes it a more reliable indicator of renal function, especially in populations where these factors may vary.

The National Kidney Foundation recommends three simple tests to screen for kidney disease: a blood pressure measurement, a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine, and calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on a serum creatinine measurement. Measuring urea nitrogen in the blood provides additional information. The glucose test is not recommended as a screening test for kidney disease. This is because high glucose levels in the blood are more associated with diabetes rather than kidney disease.

People with diabetes or reduced kidney function are at a higher risk for developing complications related to high blood pressure. Keeping their blood pressure below 140/80 is recommended because this target range has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and slow down the progression of kidney disease. It is important for these individuals to monitor and manage their blood pressure to prevent further damage to their kidneys and overall health.

Cystatin C and Microalbumin are not normally included in a Renal Function Panel. A Renal Function Panel typically includes tests such as Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, BUN/Creatinine Ratio, and Phosphorus. Cystatin C is a test used to measure kidney function and is not commonly included in a standard Renal Function Panel. Similarly, Microalbumin is a test used to detect early signs of kidney damage and is not typically included in a standard Renal Function Panel.