Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who requires vascular access for hemodialysis and asks the nurse what the differences are between an arteriovenous (AV) fistula and a graft. Which of the following information should the nurse explain is an advantage of the fistula?
- A. Is much less likely to clot
- B. Increases patient mobility.
- C. Accommodates larger needles.
- D. Can be used sooner after surgery.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AV fistulas are much less likely to clot than grafts although it takes longer for them to mature to the point where they can be used for dialysis. The choice of an AV fistula or a graft does not have an impact on needle size or patient mobility.
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The nurse is preparing to administer calcium carbonate to a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse check prior to administration?
- A. Creatinine
- B. Potassium
- C. Total cholesterol
- D. Serum phosphate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If serum phosphate is elevated, the calcium and phosphate can cause soft tissue calcification. The calcium carbonate should not be given until the phosphate level is lowered. Total cholesterol, creatinine, and potassium values do not affect whether calcium carbonate should be administered.
Which of the following information is most useful to the nurse in evaluating improvement in kidney function for a patient who is hospitalized with acute kidney injury (AKI)?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level
- B. Urine output
- C. Creatinine level
- D. Calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: GFR is the preferred method for evaluating kidney function. BUN levels can fluctuate based on factors such as fluid volume status. Urine output can be normal or high in patients with AKI and does not accurately reflect kidney function. Creatinine alone is not an accurate reflection of renal function.
The nurse is caring for a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Which of the following findings indicate that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving the prescribed erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)?
- A. Creatinine 99 mcmol/L.
- B. Oxygen saturation 89%
- C. Hemoglobin level 130 g/L.
- D. Blood pressure 98/56 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High hemoglobin levels are associated with a higher rate of thromboembolic events and increased risk of death from serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, heart failure, stroke) when ESA is administered to a target hemoglobin of 110 g/L with a range of 100-120 g/L. Hemoglobin levels higher than 120 g/L indicate a need for a decrease in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose. The other information will also be reported to the health care provider but will not affect whether the medication is administered.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a left arm arteriovenous fistula. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to maintain the patency of the fistula?
- A. Check the fistula site for a bruit and thrill.
- B. Assess the rate and quality of the left radial pulse.
- C. Compare blood pressures in the left and right arms.
- D. Irrigate the fistula site with saline every 8-12 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of a thrill and bruit indicates adequate blood flow through the fistula. Pulse rate and quality are not good indicators of fistula patency. Blood pressures should never be obtained on the arm with a fistula. Irrigation of the fistula might damage the fistula, and typically only dialysis staff would access the fistula.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has had an insertion of an arteriovenous graft (AVG) in the right forearm and has symptoms of pain and coldness of the right fingers. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Elevate the patient's arm above the level of the heart.
- B. Report the patient's symptoms to the health care provider.
- C. Remind the patient about the need to take a daily low-dose Aspirin tablet.
- D. Educate the patient about the normal vascular response after AVG insertion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's complaints suggest the development of distal ischemia (steal syndrome) and may require revision of the AVG. Elevation of the arm above the heart will decrease perfusion. Pain and coolness are not normal after AVG insertion. Aspirin therapy is not used to maintain grafts.