A nurse is caring for a client who had a kidney stone removed through percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The nurse should closely monitor the client for which potential complication?

A. This is the correct answer. After a ureteroscopy, the client may experience postoperative urinary retention due to swelling or irritation in the urethra or bladder. The nurse should monitor for signs of urinary retention and take appropriate measures to address it.

B. Hyperkalemia is not directly related to ureteroscopy. It may occur in certain medical conditions but is not a common complication of this procedure.

C. Hypertension is not directly related to ureteroscopy. While some clients with hypertension may be at increased risk for kidney stones, hypertension is not a common complication of the procedure itself.

D. Hypoglycemia is not related to ureteroscopy. It is a condition related to low blood sugar levels and is not a typical complication of kidney stone removal.

A. This statement is not correct. Potassium citrate does not dissolve existing kidney stones. It is used to prevent the formation of certain types of stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones.

B. This is the correct answer. Potassium citrate is an alkalizing agent that helps reduce the acidity of urine. By making the urine less acidic, it can help prevent the formation of certain types of stones, such as uric acid stones.

C. Potassium citrate does not increase calcium levels in the body. It may help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones, but it does not affect overall calcium levels.

D. Potassium citrate does not decrease urine output. It primarily works to reduce urine acidity and prevent stone formation.