treatment of prerenal failure
Last reviewed 01/2018
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Acute prerenal failure caused by prerenal factors is managed as the following:
- volume replacement:
- best given by mouth as water
- fluid losses are assessed and replaced
- supplements of potassium or sodium are given if dietary intake and serum plasma levels indicate need
- sick patients may require intravenous hydration
- monitoring of fluid and electrolyte requirements:
- central venous pressure should be monitored
- in ITU a Swan-Ganz catheter may be used determine the pulmonary wedge pressure
- if pre-renal failure is suspected but there is no response to fluid replacement then administer:
- loop diuretic e.g. furosemide:
- contraindicated if aminoglycosides have been given
- give as i.v. infusion
- renal dose dopamine:
- administered via a central line infusion