Clinical meaning
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid rise in creatinine or drop in urine output that signals nephron stress or damage. Prerenal AKI reflects renal hypoperfusion from hypovolemia, low cardiac output, sepsis with vasodilation, or renal artery problems—tubules are often still viable if perfusion is restored quickly. Intrarenal (intrinsic) AKI includes acute tubular necrosis (ATN) after ischemia or nephrotoxins, glomerular processes, AIN, and myoglobinuria themes when the stem provides clues. NCLEX-RN rewards linking volume status, medication timing (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs in hypovolemia, aminoglycosides, IV contrast), and urine/cast clues with priority nursing actions: perfusion assessment, strict I&O, avoid stacking nephrotoxins when orders allow clarification, and notify for creatinine jumps with symptoms or hyperkalemia risk. Use fluid deficit, heart failure priorities