A nurse is assessing a client who has osteoarthritis of the right hand. Which of the following would be the preferred treatment for this client?

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. Chemotherapy often requires multiple infusions over a long period, and a CVAD provides a reliable and convenient access point for these treatments. It allows for the continuous or intermittent administration of chemotherapy drugs, which are often irritating to veins and require precise dosing.
B. While CVADs are used for administering chemotherapy and other treatments, they are not typically used to implant radioactive material for internal radiation (brachytherapy).
C. While CVADs reduce the need for repeated venipunctures and can help manage the complications of frequent injections, they do not eliminate the risk of infection. CVADs can themselves become a source of infection if not properly maintained, as they are open to the external environment.
D. The placement of a CVAD does not directly affect the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. The CVAD’s role is primarily related to the administration of medications and access to blood vessels.