Chronic Kidney Disease Management

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USMLE Step 3 › Chronic Kidney Disease Management

Questions 1 - 10
1

A 55-year-old man has CKD stage 3b for 4 years due to diabetes and hypertension; he exercises and limits sodium. Medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice daily, glyburide 5 mg daily, lisinopril 20 mg daily, and atorvastatin 40 mg nightly. He has no hypoglycemia awareness issues but reports two recent episodes of lightheadedness before lunch. BP is 124/70 mm Hg. Labs: creatinine 2.0 mg/dL, eGFR 32 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.5 mEq/L. Which medication adjustment is most appropriate for this patient?

Increase metformin dose despite reduced eGFR

Increase glyburide dose to overcome insulin resistance

Discontinue glyburide and use glipizide instead

Stop lisinopril to prevent hypoglycemia episodes

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based adjustments for hypoglycemic agents in CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's hypoglycemia episodes and use of long-acting sulfonylurea indicate the need to switch to a shorter-acting agent. The correct choice, discontinuing glyburide and using glipizide instead, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing diabetes in CKD stage 3b, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest increasing glyburide, which worsens hypoglycemia risk, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for antidiabetic therapy in CKD, regularly review medication clearance, and practice recognizing drug-related adverse events.

2

A 44-year-old man received a living-donor kidney transplant 3 years ago; he has stable function and takes tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone 5 mg daily. He also takes lisinopril for proteinuria and atorvastatin. He reports no symptoms. BP is 128/76 mm Hg. Labs: creatinine 1.6 mg/dL (baseline 1.6), eGFR 48 mL/min/1.73 m², K 5.8 mEq/L, HCO3 23 mEq/L, tacrolimus trough 7 ng/mL. Urinalysis shows trace protein. Ultrasound shows no obstruction. Which medication adjustment is most appropriate for this patient?

Increase tacrolimus dose to improve graft perfusion

Start spironolactone to lower potassium level

Add patiromer while continuing lisinopril therapy

Stop mycophenolate to correct hyperkalemia promptly

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based management of hyperkalemia in post-transplant patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's hyperkalemia with RAAS inhibition indicates the need for a binder to preserve antiproteinuric therapy. The correct choice, adding patiromer while continuing lisinopril therapy, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing post-transplant CKD, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest stopping mycophenolate, which is unrelated to hyperkalemia, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for electrolyte management post-transplant, regularly review drug interactions, and practice optimizing immunosuppression with comorbidities.

3

A 63-year-old man has CKD stage 4 for 6 years from diabetes; he follows low-sodium diet and takes losartan 100 mg daily, amlodipine 10 mg daily, insulin, and atorvastatin. He reports no symptoms. BP is 130/76 mm Hg. Exam shows mild pedal edema. Labs: creatinine 3.0 mg/dL, eGFR 20 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.7 mEq/L, HCO3 22 mEq/L, Ca 8.8 mg/dL, phosphate 5.1 mg/dL, PTH 320 pg/mL. Which complication is this patient at highest risk for?

Acute uric acid nephropathy from tumor lysis

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with crescents

Secondary hyperparathyroidism with renal osteodystrophy

Postrenal obstruction from benign prostatic hypertrophy

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on identifying risks for mineral bone disorder complications in CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's elevated PTH and hyperphosphatemia indicate secondary hyperparathyroidism, increasing risk for bone disease. The correct choice, secondary hyperparathyroidism with renal osteodystrophy, accurately reflects current guidelines for recognizing CKD-MBD risks in stage 4, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest rapidly progressive GN, which is unlikely without acute changes, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for CKD complications, regularly review PTH and phosphate levels, and practice predicting long-term risks in renal patients.

4

A 56-year-old woman has CKD stage 3b for 5 years from hypertension; she limits sodium and takes lisinopril 20 mg daily and amlodipine 10 mg daily. She develops chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis and asks about analgesics. BP is 124/76 mm Hg. Exam shows knee crepitus. Labs: creatinine 1.9 mg/dL, eGFR 37 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.6 mEq/L. What is the next best step in managing this patient's CKD?

Recommend acetaminophen and topical NSAID as needed

Start indomethacin because it is kidney-sparing

Avoid all analgesics to prevent CKD progression

Start daily oral naproxen for long-term control

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based analgesic selection in CKD patients with osteoarthritis. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's chronic pain and CKD indicate the need for kidney-safe options like acetaminophen and limited topical NSAIDs. The correct choice, recommending acetaminophen and topical NSAID as needed, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing pain in CKD stage 3b, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest daily oral naproxen, which risks worsening renal function, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for analgesia in CKD, regularly review nephrotoxic agents, and practice balancing pain control with renal safety.

5

A 69-year-old woman has CKD stage 5 for 11 years from diabetic nephropathy; she is stable and not yet on dialysis. She takes insulin, amlodipine 10 mg daily, torsemide 80 mg daily, sevelamer, and sodium bicarbonate. She reports mild anorexia but no dyspnea or pericardial pain. BP is 146/82 mm Hg. Exam shows 1+ edema. Labs: creatinine 6.8 mg/dL, eGFR 7 mL/min/1.73 m², K 5.2 mEq/L, HCO3 19 mEq/L, Ca 8.4 mg/dL, phosphate 6.1 mg/dL. Which referral is most appropriate for this patient?

Vascular surgery for arteriovenous fistula evaluation

Orthopedics for prophylactic fracture risk assessment

Neurology for screening electroencephalography evaluation

Pulmonology for baseline pulmonary function testing

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based referral for vascular access in predialysis CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's eGFR of 7 and uremic symptoms indicate imminent need for dialysis, requiring access planning. The correct choice, vascular surgery for arteriovenous fistula evaluation, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing CKD stage 5, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest pulmonology for PFTs, which is not routinely needed, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for dialysis preparation, regularly review access options, and practice timing referrals for advanced CKD.

6

A 49-year-old man has CKD stage 3b for 2 years from IgA nephropathy; he is managed with low-sodium diet and RAAS blockade. Medications include lisinopril 20 mg daily and atorvastatin 20 mg nightly. He asks about diet. BP is 124/72 mm Hg. Exam is normal. Labs: creatinine 1.9 mg/dL, eGFR 38 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.7 mEq/L, HCO3 23 mEq/L. Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio is 1.2 g/g. What dietary advice should be given?

Avoid all dietary fat to slow CKD progression

Limit sodium intake to under 2 g daily

Increase potassium-rich foods to prevent cramps

Increase protein intake to 1.8 g/kg daily

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based dietary recommendations for CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's proteinuria and stable electrolytes indicate the need for sodium restriction to control blood pressure and reduce progression. The correct choice, limiting sodium intake to under 2 g daily, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing CKD stage 3b, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest increasing protein intake, which can worsen proteinuria, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on nutritional guidelines for CKD, regularly review dietary impacts on renal function, and practice counseling patients on lifestyle modifications.

7

A 52-year-old man has CKD stage 3a for 3 years from type 2 diabetes and hypertension; he has worked on weight loss and limits sodium. Medications are metformin 500 mg twice daily, empagliflozin 10 mg daily, lisinopril 10 mg daily, and rosuvastatin 20 mg nightly. He has no dyspnea, edema, or urinary symptoms. BP is 122/70 mm Hg. Exam is normal. Labs: creatinine 1.4 mg/dL, eGFR 56 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.6 mEq/L, HCO3 24 mEq/L. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio is 980 mg/g on two occasions. HbA1c is 7.4%. Renal ultrasound 2 years ago is normal. What is the next best step in managing this patient's CKD?

Add finerenone for persistent albuminuria

Stop empagliflozin due to CKD progression risk

Start high-protein diet to prevent sarcopenia

Switch lisinopril to hydrochlorothiazide for proteinuria

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based treatment strategies for persistent albuminuria in diabetic CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's high albumin-to-creatinine ratio despite SGLT2 and ACE inhibition indicates the need for additional antiproteinuric therapy. The correct choice, adding finerenone for persistent albuminuria, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing CKD stage 3a in diabetes, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest stopping empagliflozin, which is contraindicated as it provides cardiorenal protection, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for proteinuria management in CKD, regularly review emerging therapies like mineralocorticoid antagonists, and practice interpreting urine albumin levels in diabetic patients.

8

A 66-year-old man has CKD stage 5 for 9 years from diabetes; he is stable and not on dialysis. He takes insulin, carvedilol 12.5 mg twice daily, amlodipine 10 mg daily, torsemide 40 mg daily, and sevelamer with meals. He reports decreased appetite and mild nausea but no dyspnea or confusion. BP is 148/84 mm Hg. Exam shows 1+ edema. Labs: creatinine 6.2 mg/dL, eGFR 9 mL/min/1.73 m², K 5.1 mEq/L, HCO3 18 mEq/L, Ca 8.6 mg/dL, phosphate 6.4 mg/dL, Hgb 10.1 g/dL. Renal ultrasound shows small echogenic kidneys. Which referral is most appropriate for this patient?

Nephrology for renal replacement therapy education and planning

Urology for cystoscopy to evaluate CKD progression

Gastroenterology for endoscopy to evaluate nausea

Cardiology for routine stress testing before dialysis

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based referral timing for renal replacement therapy in advanced CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's eGFR of 9 and uremic symptoms indicate the need for predialysis education and planning. The correct choice, nephrology for renal replacement therapy education and planning, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing CKD stage 5, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest cardiology for stress testing, which is not routinely required, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for dialysis initiation, regularly review eGFR trends, and practice identifying indications for specialist referral.

9

A 59-year-old man has CKD stage 3b for 5 years from diabetes; he limits sodium and takes losartan 100 mg daily, empagliflozin 10 mg daily, metformin 500 mg twice daily, and atorvastatin 40 mg nightly. He reports no symptoms. BP is 118/66 mm Hg. Exam is normal. Labs: creatinine 2.1 mg/dL, eGFR 33 mL/min/1.73 m², K 4.8 mEq/L, HCO3 24 mEq/L. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio is 120 mg/g. What complication is this patient at highest risk for?

Renal vein thrombosis from nephrotic syndrome

Nephrolithiasis from hypercalciuria and alkalosis

Cardiovascular disease events related to CKD

Obstructive uropathy from acute urinary retention

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on identifying cardiovascular risks in diabetic CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's diabetes, CKD, and albuminuria place him at high risk for cardiovascular events. The correct choice, cardiovascular disease events related to CKD, accurately reflects current guidelines for risk assessment in CKD stage 3b, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest nephrolithiasis, which is not supported by labs, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for CVD in CKD, regularly review risk factors, and practice stratifying patients for preventive care.

10

A 71-year-old man has CKD stage 4 for 5 years from hypertension; he is stable and follows a renal diet. Medications include losartan 100 mg daily, amlodipine 10 mg daily, and furosemide 40 mg daily. He reports no symptoms. BP is 132/78 mm Hg. Labs: creatinine 3.1 mg/dL, eGFR 21 mL/min/1.73 m², Ca 8.6 mg/dL, phosphate 5.4 mg/dL, PTH 380 pg/mL, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 28 ng/mL. What is the next best step in managing this patient's CKD?

Stop losartan to reduce PTH secretion

Initiate dietary phosphate restriction and phosphate binder

Begin immediate dialysis for elevated phosphate level

Start high-dose calcium supplements without monitoring

Explanation

This question tests chronic kidney disease management skills, specifically focusing on evidence-based interventions for mineral bone disorder in CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease management involves regular monitoring of renal function, adjusting medications based on kidney status, and managing complications like anemia and electrolyte imbalances. In the presented vignette, the patient's hyperphosphatemia and elevated PTH indicate the need for phosphate control to prevent further complications. The correct choice, initiating dietary phosphate restriction and phosphate binder, accurately reflects current guidelines for managing CKD stage 4, demonstrating the student's understanding of appropriate clinical interventions. A common distractor may suggest immediate dialysis, which is premature without uremic symptoms, highlighting a frequent misconception. To improve understanding, students should focus on guidelines for phosphate management, regularly review CKD-MBD labs, and practice stepwise approaches to bone-mineral disorders.

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