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A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL per 24 hours. What is the priority action by the nurse?
- A. Place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately
- B. Place the client on a low-potassium diet
- C. Continue to monitor the client's intake and output
- D. Ask to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority action by the nurse should be to check the cardiac status with a monitor. High potassium levels can lead to dysrhythmias. The other choices are logical nursing interventions for acute kidney injury but not the best immediate action.
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A client is exhibiting symptoms of pericarditis, which can occur with chronic kidney disease. Which nurse should be assigned to this client for continuity of care?
- A. A new graduate nurse
- B. A float nurse from another unit
- C. The registered nurse (RN) previously assigned to this client
- D. A licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Continuity of care is important to assess subtle differences in clients. Therefore, the registered nurse (RN) who was assigned to this client previously should again give care to this client. The first nurses would not be as knowledgeable about the unit and its clients. The licensed practical nurse may not have the education level of the RN to assess for pericarditis.
Dialysis works using the passive transfer of toxins by diffusion. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. Dialysis removes waste through osmosis
- B. Dialysis moves toxins from high to low concentration
- C. Dialysis uses a semipermeable membrane
- D. Dialysis helps balance electrolytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dialysis works by diffusion, not osmosis. The client's statement about osmosis indicates a misunderstanding, as osmosis refers to water movement, whereas dialysis involves the movement of toxins and solutes across a semipermeable membrane from an area of higher to lower concentration.
In discharge teaching for a client post-kidney transplantation, which instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
- A. Take antibiotics prophylactically before dental procedures
- B. Reduce doses of antacids with magnesium
- C. Adjust antibiotic doses
- D. Monitor insulin needs closely
- E. Limit physical activity for 6 months
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: In discharge teaching, the nurse must emphasize that the client needs to have an antibiotic prophylactically before cleared procedures to prevent infection. There may be a need for dose reduction in medications if the kidney is not excreting them properly (antacids with magnesium, antibiotics, antidiabetic drugs, insulin, opioids, and anticoagulants).
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is experiencing nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia. Which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Check the client's digoxin level
- B. Administer an anti-nausea medication
- C. Ask if the client is able to eat crackers
- D. Ask if referral to a gastroenterologist is needed
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The signs and symptoms are indications of digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity. The nurse should check the level of this medication. Administering antiemetics, asking if the client can eat, and obtaining a referral to a specialist all address the client's symptoms but do not lead to the cause of the symptoms.
A client is undergoing hemodialysis. The client's blood pressure at the beginning of the procedure was 136/88 mm Hg, and now it is 100/54 mm Hg. What actions should the nurse perform to maintain blood pressure? (Select all that apply)
- A. Adjust the rate of extracorporeal blood flow
- B. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
- C. Administer oxygen therapy
- D. Administer a 250-mL bolus of normal saline
- E. Contact the health care provider for orders
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Hypotension occurs often during hemodialysis treatments as a result of vasodilation from the warmed dialysate. Adjusting the extracorporeal blood flow, placing the client in the Trendelenburg position, and administering a normal saline bolus can help stabilize blood pressure.