A nurse is caring for a client who reports xerostomia following radiation therapy to the mandible.

Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Choice A reason:

Eating 1 g/kg of protein per day is the appropriate recommendation. When providing discharge teaching to a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving haemodialysis, the nurse should include the instruction to eat an appropriate amount of protein, which is usually recommended at a specific daily intake based on the client's weight.

Clients with CKD often have dietary restrictions, including limiting protein intake to reduce the workload on the kidneys. However, protein intake is still necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The recommended protein intake for clients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis is typically around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

Choice B reason:

Drink at least 3 L of fluid daily. Clients receiving haemodialysis typically have fluid restrictions, as impaired kidney function can lead to fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances. The specific fluid allowance will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the client's individual needs, and it may be significantly less than 3 L per day.

Choice Doption

Take magnesium hydroxide for ingestion. Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative and antacid used to relieve constipation and heartburn. It is not typically prescribed for clients with chronic kidney disease, especially without proper evaluation of their kidney function and overall medical condition.

Choice Coption:

C. Consume foods high in potassium.

Clients with chronic kidney disease, especially that undergoing haemodialysis, often need to restrict potassium intake. Impaired kidney function can lead to the build-up of potassium in the blood, which can be harmful. Therefore, it is essential for clients with CKD to avoid or limit foods high in potassium.

The correct answer is choice A. Deep tendon reflexes 2+. This indicates that the client is receiving the therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, which is to prevent seizures by reducing neuromuscular excitability.

Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that is given intravenously to women with preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy, to reduce the risk of seizures or eclampsia. It can also prolong pregnancy for up to two days, allowing drugs that speed up the baby’s lung development to be administered.

Choice B is wrong because 1+ proteinuria via urine dipstick is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but a sign of preeclampsia.

Proteinuria indicates that the kidneys are not working properly and are leaking protein into the urine. Magnesium sulfate does not improve the outcomes for the baby and can cause side effects such as respiratory depression for the mother.

Choice C is wrong because pulse rate 100/min is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but a possible side effect.

Magnesium sulfate can cause vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure and increases heart rate. A normal pulse rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate higher than 100 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, which can be caused by various factors such as anxiety, dehydration, fever, infection, or medication.

Choice D is wrong because urine output 20 mL/hr is not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate, but a sign of kidney failure. A normal urine output for an adult is between 800 and 2000 mL per day, or about 30 to 80 mL per hour. A urine output lower than 30 mL per hour may indicate oliguria, which can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, blood loss, shock, or kidney damage. Magnesium sulfate can cause renal toxicity if given in high doses or for prolonged periods.