Uremia

Definition

Uremia is a clinical syndrome caused by accumulation of urea, creatinine, and other nitrogenous waste products due to kidney failure. It affects multiple organ systems.

Signs and Symptoms

• Uremic frost (urea crystals on skin; late sign)
• Pruritus
• Nausea, vomiting, uremic breath (ammonia)
• Anorexia, weight loss
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Pericarditis (uremic pericarditis)
• Encephalopathy: confusion, seizures, asterixis
• Bleeding tendency (platelet dysfunction)

Nursing Interventions

Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, such as dietary restrictions (protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fluid). Skin care for pruritus. Monitor labs (BUN, creatinine, electrolytes). Teach patient about renal replacement therapy, transplant options, medication dose adjustments.

NCLEX Relevance

Uremic encephalopathy: asterixis, confusion. Dialysis is definitive treatment.