Review the basic labs at time of nephrology consultation:
Basic labs 

Urinalysis

Urine Microscopy
Dense Pigmented “Muddy Brown” Casts

Head CT
Non-contrast CT scan of the head reveals mild cerebral edema with no other acute changes and no evidence of hemorrhage.
What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Start continuous veno-venous hemodialysis
Excellent, this is the most appropriate next step for this patient with acute kidney injury on maximal ventilator settings, minimal urine output, and worsening metabolic derangements. The mild cerebral edema makes a continuous modality more appropriate than intermittent hemodialysis in this case.
Start isotonic IV sodium bicarbonate
This patient is already maximally ventilated, leaving little room for fluid administration. Try something else!
Start intermittent hemodialysis
While kidney replacement therapy might be the most appropriate step here, there is a better choice than intermittent hemodialysis in this case, particularly with cerebral edema. Pick again!
Give 40mg of IV Lasix (furosemide)
While a diuretic challenge could be considered, this patient’s condition may be too severe at this point. In addition, this low dose of furosemide is less likely to be effective here.
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Case 55 Index
Case 55 Introduction
Case 55 Physical Exam