A client with chronic renal failure presents with difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle cramps. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect as the cause of these symptoms?
Hyperkalemia
Hyponatremia
Hypocalcemia
Hyperphosphatemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Incorrect. Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, can cause muscle weakness and potentially cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not typically associated with difficulty concentrating or irritability.
B. Incorrect. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion and headache, but it is not typically associated with muscle cramps.
C. Incorrect. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can cause muscle cramps and neurological symptoms, but it is not specifically associated with difficulty concentrating and irritability.
D. Correct. Hyperphosphatemia, or high phosphorus levels, is common in chronic renal failure due to impaired kidney function. Elevated phosphorus levels can lead to the binding of calcium, resulting in decreased ionized calcium in the blood. This can cause neuromuscular irritability, difficulty concentrating, and muscle cramps.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed to manage hypertension and fluid overload in clients with chronic renal failure. These medications help relax blood vessels, reduce fluid retention, and lower blood pressure.
B. Incorrect. Phosphate binders are prescribed to control phosphate levels, but they do not directly address fluid overload and hypertension.
C. Incorrect. Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA. are used to manage anemia in chronic renal failure and do not specifically address hypertension or fluid overload.
D. Incorrect. Potassium-sparing diuretics may not be the first for managing fluid overload and hypertension in chronic renal failure, especially if the client has elevated potassium levels. ACE inhibitors are a more suitable option in this scenario.
QUESTIONS
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Pruritus (itching) is a common symptom of chronic renal failure and is related to the buildup of waste products and toxins in the blood, leading to skin irritation.
B. Correct. Pruritus is a common and distressing symptom of chronic renal failure, caused by the retention of uremic toxins in the blood. These toxins can irritate the skin and lead to itching.
C. Incorrect. While medications can sometimes cause pruritus as a side effect, it is not the primary cause of itching in clients with chronic renal failure.
D. Incorrect. Persistent pruritus in a client with chronic renal failure is not necessarily indicative of an allergic reaction to medications. It is more likely related to the buildup of waste products in the blood.
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