Previous Section
Guidebook Subsections
Treatment of Kidney Failure
The specific treatment plan for patients with renal failure will be determined by a variety of factors that include:
- The person's age
- Overall health and medical history
- Extent of the disease and whether the renal failure is acute or chronic
- The underlying cause of the disease
- The individual's tolerance for certain medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- The individual's preferences
General treatment options for kidney failure may include:
- Hospitalization
- Hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids
- Diuretic medications (to increase urine output)
- Close laboratory monitoring of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium
- Careful management of blood pressure
- Specific diet requirements
Acute kidney failure often improves with treatment of the underlying cause. In some cases, however, dialysis may be needed for a short time until the kidneys can recover.
