Question

3. Using what you know of normal kidney (nephron) function:

a. Which functions of the nephron would be compromised in someone with tubulointerstitial nephritis - filtration, reabsorption or secretion?

b. Below are some complications of tubulointerstitial neprhitis. BRIEFLY (using bullets) define each complication below and BRIEFLY explain why tubulointerstitial neprhitis would cause the following abnormalities/complications:

- Hypokalemia & Hyponatremia
- Polyuria
- Metabolic acidosis

Answer 1

3. Ans

A)  Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body. When you have interstitial nephritis, the spaces between tubules (small tubes) inside the kidney become inflamed. This reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter properly.

B) complications -  

Metabolic acidosis can occur because the kidneys aren't able to remove enough acid. The disorder can lead to acute or chronic kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease.

Metabolic acidosis -  Metabolic acidosis has three main root causes: increased acid production, loss of bicarbonate, and a reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete excess acids.Metabolic acidosis can lead to acidemia, which is defined as arterial blood pH that is lower than 7.35.Acidemia and acidosis are not mutually exclusive – pH and hydrogen ion concentrations also depend on the coexistence of other acid-base disorders; therefore, pH levels in people with metabolic acidosis can range from low, normal, to high.

Hypokalemia and hyponatremia - secretion of the ions such as the sodium and potassium due to the loss of functioning of the kidneys leads to their loss In the body

Polyurea- Damage to the distal tubule may cause loss of urine-concentrating ability and polyuria. In most cases of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, the function of the kidneys will return after the harmful drug is not taken anymore, or when the underlying disease is cured by treatment