Results of a patients 24 -hour urine sample indicate osmolality of510 \mathrm{mOsm} / \mathrm{kg}$, which is within reference range. What conclusion can the nurse draw from this assessment finding?
- A. The patients kidneys are capable of maintaining acidbase balance.
- B. The patients kidneys reabsorb most of the potassium that the patient ingests.
- C. The patients kidneys can produce sufficiently concentrated urine.
- D. The patients kidneys are producing sufficient erythropoietin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Osmolality is the most accurate measurement of the kidneys ability to dilute and concentrate urine. Osmolality is not a direct indicator of renal function as it relates to erythropoietin synthesis or maintenance of acidbase balance. It does not indicate the maintenance of healthy levels of potassium, the vast majority of which is excreted.
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A kidney biopsy has been scheduled for a patient with a history of acute renal failure. The patient asks the nurse why this test has been scheduled. What is the nurses best response?
- A. A biopsy is routinely ordered for all patients with renal disorders.
- B. A biopsy is generally ordered following abnormalx$-ray findings of the renal pelvis.
- C. A biopsy is often ordered for patients before they have a kidney transplant.
- D. A biopsy is sometimes necessary for diagnosing and evaluating the extent of kidney disease.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Biopsy of the kidney is used in diagnosing and evaluating the extent of kidney disease. Indications for biopsy include unexplained acute renal failure, persistent proteinuria or hematuria, transplant rejection, and glomerulopathies.
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for renal angiography following a motor vehicle accident. What patient preparation should the nurse most likely provide before this test?
- A. Administration of IV potassium chloride
- B. Administration of a laxative
- C. Administration of Gastrografin
- D. Administration of a 24-hour urine test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before the procedure, a laxative may be prescribed to evacuate the colon so that unobstructedx$-rays can be obtained. A 24-hour urine test is not necessary prior to the procedure. Gastrografin and potassium chloride are not administered prior to renal angiography.
A patient with a history of progressively worsening fatigue is undergoing a comprehensive assessment which includes test of renal function relating to erythropoiesis. When assessing the oxygen transport ability of the blood, the nurse should prioritize the review of what blood value?
- A. Hematocrit
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- D. Serum creatinine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although historically hematocrit has been the blood test of choice when assessing a patient for anemia, use of the hemoglobin level rather than hematocrit is currently recommended, because that measurement is a better assessment of the oxygen transport ability of the blood. ESR and creatinine levels are not indicative of oxygen transport ability.
The staff educator is giving a class for a group of nurses new to the renal unit. The educator is discussing renal biopsies. In what patient would the educator tell the new nurses that renal biopsies are contraindicated?
- A. A 64-year-old patient with chronic glomerulonephritis
- B. A 57-year-old patient with proteinuria
- C. A 42-year-old patient with morbid obesity
- D. A 16-year-old patient with signs of kidney transplant rejection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: There are several contraindications to a kidney biopsy, including bleeding tendencies, uncontrolled hypertension, a solitary kidney, and morbid obesity. Indications for a renal biopsy include unexplained acute renal failure, persistent proteinuria or hematuria, transplant rejection, and glomerulopathies.
A patient is scheduled for a diagnostic MRI of the lower urinary system. What pre-procedure education should the nurse include?
- A. The need to be NPO for 12 hours prior to the test
- B. Relaxation techniques to apply during the test
- C. The need for conscious sedation prior to the test
- D. The need to limit fluid intake to 1 liter in the 24 hours before the test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patient preparation should include teaching relaxation techniques because the patient needs to remain still during an MRI. The patient does not normally need to be NPO or fluid-restricted before the test and conscious sedation is not usually implemented.
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