Nurses should be adept at recognizing the signs and symptoms of prerenal causes to initiate timely management. Key indicators include:
- Low Urine Output: Oliguria (less than 400 mL/day) or anuria (less than 50 mL/day) may indicate reduced renal perfusion. - Hypotension: Low blood pressure, particularly in the context of shock or severe dehydration. - Tachycardia: Increased heart rate as a compensatory mechanism for low blood volume. - Dry Mucous Membranes and Skin Turgor: Signs of dehydration. - Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) to Creatinine Ratio: Typically greater than 20:1, indicating a prerenal state.
