A male presents to the emergency department with confusion, lethargy, and a decreased level of consciousness. His friends report that he ingested a large quantity of unknown pills in a suicide attempt. Laboratory results reveal severe metabolic acidosis, high anion gap, and elevated serum creatinine. Which of the following is the most urgent indication for initiating dialysis in this patient?
Overdose
Chronic Kidney Disease
Hypertension
Dehydration
The Correct Answer is A
A. Overdose: The patient has ingested a large quantity of unknown pills, leading to severe metabolic acidosis, high anion gap, and possible toxic accumulation. Dialysis is often indicated to clear toxins in the case of overdose, especially if renal function is impaired (as indicated by elevated creatinine).
B. Chronic Kidney Disease: While chronic kidney disease may eventually require dialysis, the acute overdose and metabolic acidosis are the more immediate concerns requiring urgent dialysis.
C. Hypertension: Hypertension may require management, but it is not the primary reason to initiate urgent dialysis in this scenario. The overdose and metabolic acidosis take precedence.
D. Dehydration: Dehydration alone does not necessitate dialysis. However, the overdose, metabolic acidosis, and renal impairment are the critical reasons for initiating dialysis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin is a statin used to manage cholesterol levels. It is generally safe for use in patients with CKD.
B. Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage hypertension and protect the kidneys in diabetic nephropathy. It can be beneficial in CKD patients.
C. Vancomycin: Vancomycin is an antibiotic known to be nephrotoxic, especially in patients with compromised kidney function. It should be used with caution or avoided in patients with CKD.
D. Aspirin: While aspirin can have adverse effects on the kidneys at high doses, its nephrotoxic potential is lower than that of vancomycin. In low doses, aspirin is commonly used for cardiovascular protection, even in patients with CKD.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dehydration: While dehydration is a possible complication in ulcerative colitis, it does not explain the symptoms of fatigue and pallor.
B. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with chronic blood loss and would present with symptoms like muscle weakness or arrhythmias.
C. Iron-deficiency anemia: Chronic blood loss from frequent diarrhea and ulceration of the colon in ulcerative colitis can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and pallor.
D. Electrolyte imbalance: While electrolyte imbalances may occur with ulcerative colitis, they do not directly cause fatigue, dizziness, and pallor related to chronic blood loss.
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