Nursing Care Plan for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Also searched as: acute renal failure
🎓 Educational example. Adapt to your patient and have your instructor review it. Not medical advice.
A rapid decline in kidney function causing fluid, electrolyte, and waste imbalances. Nursing care protects remaining function and prevents complications.
Build your own Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) care plan in minutes → the free Care Plan Builder walks you from assessment to evaluation and exports a clean PDF.
Assessment
- Subjective: fatigue, nausea, reduced urination
- Objective: rising creatinine/BUN, oliguria, edema, electrolyte abnormalities (esp. potassium)
Nursing diagnoses
As evidenced by: edema, weight gain, decreased urine output
Goals / expected outcomes
- The patient will maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and stable kidney values during the care period.
Nursing interventions & rationale
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Monitor I/O, daily weight, creatinine/BUN, and electrolytes (especially potassium). | Detects fluid overload and dangerous hyperkalemia early. |
| Manage fluids per orders and review all medications for nephrotoxicity/renal dosing. | Prevents further kidney injury. |
| Watch for and treat hyperkalemia; prepare for dialysis if indicated. | Hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. |
| Address the underlying cause (hypovolemia, obstruction, nephrotoxins). | Reversing the cause supports recovery. |
Evaluation
- Stable/ improving kidney values
- Electrolytes within safe range
- No fluid-overload complications
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Build a care plan free See Student plan — $6.99/monthAcute Kidney Injury (AKI) care plan: FAQ
What is the nursing diagnosis for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
Common nursing diagnoses include: Excess fluid volume related to reduced kidney function. Choose the one your patient's assessment data supports.
What are nursing interventions for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
Key interventions: Monitor I/O, daily weight, creatinine/BUN, and electrolytes (especially potassium).; Manage fluids per orders and review all medications for nephrotoxicity/renal dosing.; Watch for and treat hyperkalemia; prepare for dialysis if indicated. — each paired with a rationale.
Can I use this care plan for my assignment?
Use it as a study example and starting draft. Always adapt it to your specific patient and have it reviewed by your instructor. This is an educational tool, not medical advice.
Last reviewed 2026-07. Educational content based on standard nursing practice; not medical advice and not affiliated with NANDA-I/NIC/NOC. Always follow your institution's protocols and your instructor's guidance.