Certified Nephrology Nurse Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The effect of NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, on kidney function primarily involves their impact on renal blood flow and filtration processes. The correct response highlights that NSAIDs can cause interstitial nephritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the kidney interstitium.

NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that play a crucial role in maintaining renal blood flow, particularly in situations where there is reduced perfusion, such as dehydration or congestive heart failure. When prostaglandin production is inhibited, this can lead to a decrease in renal perfusion and may result in acute interstitial nephritis, which is marked by inflammation and damage to the kidney tissue.

This mechanism illustrates how NSAIDs, despite their efficacy in pain relief and inflammation, can adversely affect kidney function. Understanding this side effect is particularly important for patients who might be at risk, such as those with pre-existing renal conditions or other comorbidities.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the effects of NSAIDs. For example, they do not enhance renal perfusion or promote urinary retention directly. While NSAIDs may influence glomerular filtration rate, they typically do so by reducing it during renal impairment rather than as a