NURS 3122 Chapter Notes - Chapter 31.3: Tricyclic Antidepressant, Spina Bifida, Reward System
22 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
A retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the ureters. Severity ranges from reflux of urine into the ureter only at stage 1 to severe dilation of the ureter and renal pelvis with severely blunted calyces at stage 5. The reflux prevents complete emptying of the bladder, and because urine returns to the bladder, it creates a reservoir for bacterial growth. Bacteria in the urine may be swept up to the kidneys, leading to pyelonephritis. A renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram reveal the defect and permit grading the severity of reflux (to the ureter and renal pelvis, or causing some dilation of the ureter and renal pelvis). Long-term complications include renal scarring, hypertension, and chronic renal failure. The goal of treatment is to prevent pyelonephritis and renal scarring. Surgical intervention, ureteral reimplantation, may be required depending on the grade of reflux.
