a and P

• kidney is large in relation to the size of the abdomen until the child reaches adolescence
• less well protected from injury by the ribs and fat padding than they are in the adult
• blood flow through kidneys is slower in the infant and young toddler compared with the adult
• increased risk of dehydration during times when fluid loss or decreased fluid intake occurs
• urethra is naturally shorter in all ages of females compared with males

  • places them at increased risk for the entrance of bacteria
  • physical proximity of the urethral opening to the rectum
• renal system reaches functional maturity at around 2 years of age
• expected urine output: 0.5 to 2 mL/kg/hr
• urine culture and sensitivity: obtaining a clean or sterile urine specimen is necessarily for accurate urine culture results
• urine culture and sensitivity: urine bag collection, urethral catheterization or suprapubic aspiration is used for obtaining urine specimen from neonate or young infant
• voiding csystourethrogram: a urinary catheter must be inserted just prior to the voiding cystourethrogram then contrast will be administered and pictures taken of the bladder and kidneys
• CBC, electrolyte, BUN, creatine: close monitoring of serum blood counts and electrolytes is a critical component of nursing care related to renal disorders