Through this work we will explore the causes, diagnostic tests, subjective and objective signs and symptoms, dietary modifications a nurse should teach, medical management of acute kidney failure and finally kidney failure renal short-term and long-term goals that a nurse should set for their client. There are three causes of acute kidney failure; pre-renal causes, renal causes and post-renal causes. Prerenal causes are due to factors such as dehydration, for example vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or poor fluid intake. Other factors might also include weak or irregular blood flow to and from the kidneys due to a blockage in the renal artery or vein. Intrarenal renal failure is damage directly to the kidney. Causes include sepsis (the body is overwhelmed by the infection and shuts down), multiple myeloma (acute glomerulonephritis or inflammation of the filtering system of the kidneys) as well as rhabdomyolysis (the body has destroyed the muscles and these fibers clog the system filtering). Post-renal causes are factors that affect the outflow of urine. Such factors include tumors that may surround the ureters, prostate cancer that may prevent emptying of the bladder, as well as kidney stones. Kidney stones can only cause failure if only one is present. Since we know the causes, we can now explore them by performing tests that would tell us the next best course of action. The first step in any consultation with a client is to take a look at their medical history and a physical exam. The first test is known as a serum creatine test. If the cause of the failure is prerenal, creatine in the blood will increase. Another test is the blood urea nitrogen test. If your kidneys fail to excrete waste products, your BUN levels will rise…middle of the paper…for client recovery. Therapy also includes, but is not limited to, support groups. These support groups will help clients with moral support on their path to recovery. Kidney failure is a disease that kills every day. It is important to educate our communities so we can prevent this disease before it even starts. If a client ends up with kidney failure, it is important to maintain kidney function in the acute phase so that it does not progress into the chronic phases. Works CitedAnne C. Poinier, K.R., Mitchell H. Rosner (2009, rev. June 03, 2009). Acute renal failure. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/acute-renal-failure-topic-overview Scott Walters, CP, Patrick D. Brophy (2008). Dialysis and pediatric acute kidney injury: choice of renal support modality. Educational review (24, pp. 37-48).