HESI Fundamentals 2023 Test Bank Related

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A client with chronic kidney disease is being assessed. Which of the following laboratory values would be most concerning?

  • A. Serum creatinine of 3.0 mg/dL
  • B. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
  • C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 45 mg/dL
  • D. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a client with chronic kidney disease, elevated serum potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are the most concerning finding. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitoring and managing serum potassium levels are crucial in patients with kidney disease to prevent severe complications. While elevated creatinine (Choice A) and BUN (Choice C) are indicative of impaired kidney function, hyperkalemia poses a more immediate threat to the client's health. Hemoglobin levels (Choice D) can be affected by chronic kidney disease but are not as acutely dangerous as severe hyperkalemia.