A client is seen in a primary care provider's office. The client has gradually developed a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and a lack of facial expressions. Which medication should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed to treat these symptoms?

A. Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can occur in chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys struggle to excrete potassium. However, hyperkalemia does not typically cause visible crystals on the skin. It is more associated with cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness rather than skin manifestations.
B. Sodium imbalance is common in chronic kidney disease, often leading to fluid retention and hypertension. However, excess sodium does not result in crystal formation on the skin. Sodium issues are more related to fluid balance and blood pressure, not external crystalline deposits.
C. Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins and is normally excreted by the kidneys. In chronic kidney disease, urea accumulates in the blood (uremia) because the kidneys cannot effectively filter it out. Urea can be deposited on the skin and form crystals, leading to a condition known as "uremic frost." This is often observed on the forehead or other areas of the skin and is a direct result of excess urea in the body.

D. Creatinine is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels indicate impaired kidney function, but creatinine itself does not form visible crystals on the skin. Elevated creatinine levels are primarily used as an indicator of kidney function rather than a cause of external skin manifestations.

A. Hemoglobin levels measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A reduced ejection fraction (30%) is more closely related to heart failure or significant cardiac dysfunction, which is not directly indicated by changes in hemoglobin levels.
B. Platelet levels are primarily involved in blood clotting and are less directly related to ejection fraction. Elevated or decreased platelet counts are not typically used as indicators of heart failure severity or reduced ejection fraction.
C. In cases of severe heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, you may see elevated BUN levels due to these effects. However, it is not directly related to heart failure.
D. BNP is a hormone released by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload, typically seen in heart failure. Elevated BNP levels are associated with worsening heart failure and can be elevated in patients with a reduced ejection fraction. In heart failure, especially with an ejection fraction as low as 30%, BNP levels are often significantly elevated.