The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely before, during, and after the procedure?
- A. Hemoglobin level.
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level.
- C. Creatinine level.
- D. Serum potassium level.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum potassium level. Before, during, and after hemodialysis, monitoring the serum potassium level is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening complication. Hemodialysis is done to remove waste products and excess electrolytes like potassium from the blood. Monitoring other laboratory values like hemoglobin, BUN, and creatinine is important in assessing kidney function and anemia, but serum potassium level requires close monitoring during hemodialysis due to the risk of rapid shifts that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
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The client with chronic renal failure is being taught about the importance of fluid restrictions. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?
- A. I can drink as much fluid as I want, as long as I take my medication.
- B. I will need to limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
- C. I can drink as much water as I want, as long as I limit other fluids.
- D. I will need to drink only when I am thirsty.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will need to limit my fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.' In chronic renal failure, fluid restrictions are crucial to prevent fluid overload and further damage to the kidneys. Option A is incorrect as unrestricted fluid intake can worsen the condition. Option C is also incorrect as total fluid intake needs to be restricted, not just other fluids. Option D is not ideal because thirst may not accurately reflect the body's fluid needs in chronic renal failure.
The healthcare provider is developing standards of care for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease and wants to review current evidence for practice. Which one of the following resources will provide the most helpful information?
- A. A review in the Cochrane Library.
- B. A literature search in a database, such as the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).
- C. An online nursing textbook.
- D. The policy and procedure manual at the healthcare agency.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews of primary research in healthcare, making it a reliable resource for evidence-based practice. Choice B, a literature search in a database like CINAHL, may also be useful but does not guarantee the same level of systematic review and reliability as the Cochrane Library. Choice C, an online nursing textbook, may offer information but might not provide the most current or evidence-based practices. Choice D, the policy and procedure manual at the healthcare agency, is unlikely to offer the comprehensive evidence-based information needed for developing standards of care.
A client with gouty arthritis reports tenderness and swelling of the right ankle and great toe. The nurse observes the area of inflammation extends above the ankle. The client receives prescriptions for colchicine and indomethacin. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Eat high-protein foods to achieve ideal body weight
- B. Drink at least 8 cups (1920mL) of water per day
- C. Use an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst
- D. Encourage active range of motion to prevent stiffness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to drink at least 8 cups (1920mL) of water per day. Adequate hydration helps to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which can exacerbate gout symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because while maintaining a healthy weight is important, it doesn't directly address gout management. Choice C is incorrect because using an electric heating pad can worsen inflammation. Choice D is incorrect because active range of motion may exacerbate pain and inflammation in the affected joints.
In a patient with liver cirrhosis, which of the following lab results would be expected?
- A. Increased bilirubin levels.
- B. Decreased albumin levels.
- C. Increased liver enzymes.
- D. Decreased platelet count.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with liver cirrhosis, increased bilirubin levels would be expected. Liver cirrhosis leads to impaired liver function, causing a decrease in the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in elevated bilirubin levels. Decreased albumin levels (choice B) may occur in liver cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of proteins, but it is not as specific as increased bilirubin levels. Increased liver enzymes (choice C) can be seen in liver damage but are not as characteristic as elevated bilirubin levels. Decreased platelet count (choice D) can occur in liver cirrhosis due to hypersplenism, but it is not as specific as increased bilirubin levels in this context.
What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
- A. Administering bronchodilators.
- B. Administering antibiotics.
- C. Administering IV fluids.
- D. Administering corticosteroids.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is administering bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, the primary goal is to relieve airway constriction and bronchospasm to improve breathing. Bronchodilators, such as short-acting beta-agonists, are the cornerstone of treatment as they help dilate the airways quickly. Administering antibiotics (choice B) is not indicated unless there is an underlying bacterial infection. Administering IV fluids (choice C) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the primary intervention for an acute asthma attack. Administering corticosteroids (choice D) is often used as an adjunct therapy to reduce airway inflammation, but it is not the primary intervention during the acute phase of an asthma attack.