A male client with acute kidney injury (AKI) is scheduled for his first hemodialysis treatment and asks the practical nurse (PN) how the treatments will be evaluated for effectiveness. The PN explains that blood samples will be collected for analysis. Which laboratory value should the PN explain as the best indicator of each hemodialysis?
Elevated potassium.
Decreased calcium.
Lowered hemoglobin.
Decreased creatinine.
The Correct Answer is D
Hemodialysis is a procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to function properly. One of the waste products that accumulate in the blood during kidney dysfunction is creatinine. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism, and its levels in the blood are normally regulated and eliminated by the kidneys. In AKI, the kidneys are not able to effectively filter and eliminate creatinine, leading to elevated levels in the blood. Hemodialysis helps to remove excess creatinine from the blood, resulting in decreased creatinine levels.

A- Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are common in AKI and can be life-threatening. Hemodialysis helps to remove excess potassium from the blood, restoring normal levels.
However, the best indicator of the effectiveness of hemodialysis in managing hyperkalemia would be monitoring the potassium levels before and after the session rather than considering it as the "best" indicator.
B- Decreased calcium levels can occur in kidney dysfunction due to impaired activation of vitamin D and decreased absorption of calcium from the intestines. While hemodialysis can help restore calcium levels, it may not be the primary laboratory value used to evaluate the effectiveness of each session.
C- Lowered hemoglobin levels can be seen in AKI due to various factors, including decreased production of red blood cells and blood loss. Hemodialysis can help remove waste products and excess fluid, but it may not directly address the underlying causes of lowered hemoglobin levels.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A terminally ill client is a client who has a progressive and incurable disease or condition that is expected to result in death within a short period of time, such as months or weeks. A terminally ill client may require palliative care, which is the care that focuses on relieving pain and suffering and improving the quality of life for the client and their family.
- An admission assessment is the process of collecting information about a client's health status, needs, preferences, and goals when they are admitted to a health care facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice. An admission assessment helps to establish a baseline for the client's condition, plan and implement appropriate interventions, and evaluate the outcomes of care.
- A health care proxy is a legal document that allows a client to appoint another person, such as a family member or a friend, to make health care decisions for them if they become unable to do so themselves. A health care proxy may also include specific instructions or preferences about the type and extent of care that the client wishes to receive or refuse, such as life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, or organ donation.
- Health care proxy documentation is important information that the practical nurse (PN) should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility, as it reflects the client's autonomy, dignity, and wishes regarding their end-of-life care. It also helps to ensure that the client's healthcare decisions are respected and followed by the healthcare team and the facility.
- Therefore, option A is the correct answer, while options B, C, and D are incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the most important complication for the practical nurse (PN) to anticipate because it is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in clients with severe burns. Curling's ulcer, also known as stress ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach or duodenum as a result of stress, shock, trauma, or burns. It is caused by decreased blood flow and increased acid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which damages the mucosal lining and leads to ulceration and bleeding.
The PN should anticipate Curling's ulcer in a client who experienced partial-thickness burns over 30% of the body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago, as this is a major risk factor for developing stress ulcers. The PN should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of Curling's ulcer, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, and anemia. The PN should also administer prophylactic medications such as antacids, histamine-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors as prescribed by the health care provider.
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