Judy Tate

Assessing renal function.

The kidney has several functions, including the excretion of water, soluble waste (eg, urea and creatinine) and foreign materials (eg, drugs). It is responsible for the composition and volume of circulating fluids with respect to water and electrolyte balance and acid-base status. It has an endocrine function playing a part in the production of vitamin D and erythropoietin and as part of the renin/angiotensin/aldosterone axis. Measurements of renal function rely on measuring, in various ways the degree to which the kidney is successful in these roles.

Preparing for bronchoscopy.

What is a bronchoscopy? A bronchoscopy is a procedure involving the use of a bronchoscope, a lighted, flexible tube about the thickness of a pencil. The doctor will pass the tube through your nose or sometimes your mouth, into the airways of your lungs. The procedure allows the doctor to look at the airways for anything not normal. The tube may cause a slight discomfort to your nose and throat and may cause coughing. The doctor may take samples for laboratory study. This procedure will provide your doctor with information to help decide on the best treatment plan for you.