The National Kidney Foundation Council of Advanced Practitioners' (NKF-CAP) mission is to serve as an advisory resource for the NKF, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and the community in advancing the care, treatment, and education of patients with kidney disease and their families. CAP is an advocate for professional development, research, and health policies that impact the delivery of patient care and professional practice. For more information on NKF-CAP, visit www.kidney.org/CAP. Renal Consult is edited by Jane S. Davis, CRNP, DNP, a member of the Clinician Reviews editorial board, who is a nurse practitioner in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is the communications chairperson for the National Kidney Foundation's Council of Advanced Practitioners (NKF-CAP); and Kim Zuber, PA-C, MSPS, DFAAPA, a semi-retired PA who works with the American Academy of Nephrology PAs and is a past chair of the NKF-CAP. Clinician Reviews is the proud recipient of NKF-CAP’s Nostradamus Award, recognizing the journal’s forethought and vision in supporting the contributions of Advanced Practitioners in nephrology. This month's column was authored by Ellen Apple, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, who practices at the Dickson Schools Family Clinic in Tennessee.
Ketorolac—like most NSAIDs—can affect kidney function, decreasing renal plasma flow and causing a dysfunction in salt and water balance. Postoperative patients may have activity limitations (eg, the young healthy patient on crutches). Factor in kidney damage from presurgical/outpatient NSAID use (which is usually reversible) and dehydration due to decreased fluid intake and nausea, and AKI is a real danger.
With the opioid crisis at the forefront of national health news, nonnarcotic alternatives for pain control are much in demand. This puts a whole new population at risk for AKI. Educate patients and their families about preventive measures, such as controlling nausea, maintaining hydration, and monitoring urine output. Fever, flank pain, or any untoward symptoms should be reported. Remember, AKI may be more common in the older patient with diabetes—but it can occur in anyone.—EA
Ellen Apple Dickson Schools Family Clinic, Tennessee
