A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing acute kidney injury. The client is found to have a significant change in mental status, is lethargic, and confused. The nurse auscultates crackles in the client's lungs. Upon reviewing labs, it is noted that the client's BUN is 140 mg/dL and the potassium is 6.7 mEq/L. Which treatment will the nurse anticipate to be ordered for a client with these findings?
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Bolus with 1 liter of lactated ringer's (LR)
Renal replacement therapy (RRT)
Patiromer (Veltassa)
The Correct Answer is C
A. While this medication is used to treat hyperkalemia, it is a slower acting treatment. Given the patient's critical condition with altered mental status, hyperkalemia, and elevated BUN, a more rapid intervention is needed.
B. Fluid resuscitation is important in some cases of AKI but it is not the priority in this patient. The patient is already showing signs of fluid overload (crackles in the lungs) and the primary issue is the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products and excess fluids.
C. This is the most appropriate treatment for this patient. RRT, such as hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), can rapidly remove waste products, excess fluid, and electrolytes from the blood, correcting the imbalances and improving the patient's condition.
D. This medication is used for long-term management of hyperkalemia, but it is not effective in an acute setting like this.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Patients with PKD may have issues with kidney function over time, which can affect potassium levels. Typically, a high-potassium diet is not recommended for those with kidney problems because it can exacerbate hyperkalemia.
B. Polycystic kidney disease can lead to progressive loss of kidney function, and many patients eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant as the disease advances and kidney function declines.
C. There is no general recommendation for a vasectomy solely based on having PKD. While PKD is a genetic condition, and individuals with PKD can pass the condition on to their children, there is no requirement for men with PKD to undergo sterilization.
D. People with PKD are potential candidates for kidney transplantation if their kidney function deteriorates to the point where dialysis is required. PKD itself does not disqualify individuals from receiving a kidney transplant.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. BPH is a common condition in older men that causes the prostate gland to enlarge, obstructing the urethra and leading to difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and pelvic pain. The symptoms described, including urinary frequency, weak urinary stream, severe pelvic pain, and a significantly elevated post- void residual urine volume, are consistent with BPH.
B. ESRD can cause urinary symptoms. However, the presentation in this case is more consistent with a urinary obstruction, not a kidney failure issue. ESRD typically involves more systemic symptoms like fatigue, edema, and electrolyte imbalances.
C. This is unlikely given the patient's age and lack of significant comorbidities. Additionally, the primary issue appears to be urinary obstruction, not a decrease in renal perfusion.
D. This is a chronic condition that typically presents with flank pain, and it does not usually cause acute urinary retention.
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