English for Nurses: Kidney health

Part 1: Vocabulary

• acute kidney injury (AKI)
• arteriovenous (AV) fistula
• chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• dialysis machine
• fluid overload
• fluid restriction
• haemodialysis
• pre-emptive
• renal replacement therapy (RRT)
• recliner

Match the terms with their correct meaning

1. ___________ : limit of the amount of liquid a person drinks each day
2. ___________ : sudden change in the way the kidneys function
3. ___________ : artificial connection, usually in the arm, that joins a vein onto an artery to produce a strong blood vessel used for dialysis
4. ___________ : equipment with a series of membranes that act as filters when kidneys do not function properly
5. ___________ : process of removing harmful substances and waste products from the blood by dialysis
6. ___________ : excess of fluid in the body
7. ___________ : long-term kidney disease that leads to kidney failure
8. ___________ : something that is done before people can act
9. ___________ : armchair that can tip back with the front raised, so a person can semi-recline
10. ___________ : treatment of kidney disease which includes dialysis or transplantation
     

Part 2: Reading

Read the text and answer the questions

Haemodialysis helps to control a person’s blood pressure and maintain the proper balance of fluid and various minerals, e.g., potassium and sodium. Generally, an individual starts haemodialysis a considerable time before their kidneys fail and they are at risk of life-threatening complications. The common causes of kidney failure include: diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, inherited kidney disease and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, acute kidney injury can cause the kidneys to shut down suddenly after a severe illness, complicated surgery, heart attack or other serious problem.

Patients with chronic kidney failure may decide against dialysis, choosing
maximum conservative management or palliative care instead. This type of therapy involves active management of fluid overload, high blood pressure and anaemia, with a focus on supportive management of symptoms that affect quality of life.

Some patients are candidates for a pre-emptive kidney transplant, instead of starting on dialysis.

Questions

1. Haemodialysis acts in the same way as the kidneys to prevent serious illness.
   True / False
2. Several diseases and certain medication can lead to kidney failure
   True /False  
3. Patients with chronic kidney failure are treated conservatively to manage their symptoms.
   True / False
4. Some patients are able to have a kidney transplant without the need for dialysis.
   True /False
    

Part 3: Listening

Watch the video below and answer the questions.

1. Why is the patient going to start haemodialysis?
2. What does he need before he can have haemodialysis?
3. How often will the patient have haemodialysis?
4. What are some side effects of haemodialysis?
5. What else will the patient have to do when he is on dialysis?

Watch the video again and complete the sentences.

1. The dialysis machine will act like your kidneys, to clean ___________: and excess fluid from your blood.
2. You’ll have to have dialysis until you can have a ___________.
3. The fistula makes the blood vessel larger an ___________.
4. When the fistula has ___________,you'll be ready for dialysis
5. The dietician will speak to you about your ___________ during your first visit.