Kidney Physical Exam

Before your physical exam begins, your physician will ask you to give a detailed account of your symptoms. You will also be expected to provide a complete medical history of any other diseases you or your family have been diagnosed with. It is also important to take note of your medications because your physician will inquire about the kinds of drugs you use on a regular basis as well as their doses. Some medications are associated with renal side effects so make sure you share the list of the medications you use with your physician.

Inspection

The first thing your physician will do is inspect your abdomen and other body regions for signs of kidney disease. Such signs include pallor, discoloration, or visible fullness in the abdomen which can indicate the presence of a mass.

Palpation

During this step of your kidney physical exam, your physician will feel your abdomen to detect abnormalities in your kidney. If you experience any pain or discomfort during this part of your physical examination, let your physician know. Pain triggered by touch at certain points can indicate infections like pyelonephritis or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Palpating different parts of the abdomen can reveal kidney enlargement which is a sign of tumors or cysts (PKD).

Auscultation

Your physician will use a stethoscope to detect any abnormal sounds in your lungs or in your renal arteries (blood vessels supplying your kidneys). This step helps your physician determine if any pulmonary edema (build-up of fluid in the lungs) or renal artery stenosis (narrowing) is present. Pulmonary edema is a complication of kidney disease and requires immediate intervention to prevent progression of the disease. Renal artery stenosis causes hypertension and leads to a decline in kidney function, so it is crucial to discuss the suitable treatment plan with your physician.

Another key lab test that will be needed is urinalysis, this is performed by analyzing a sample of your urine. You will provide a urine sample which will be collected and analyzed in three stages. First of all, a specialist will examine the color and odor of your sample. The second stage is called a dipstick test where a strip of paper is dipped in your sample to detect the levels of certain chemical substances like: