A nurse is caring for a client with acute renal failure. What medical condition in the client's history increases the risk of prerenal acute renal failure?

A. Correct. In acute renal failure, when the kidneys are unable to excrete acids properly, metabolic acidosis can occur. Administering bicarbonate intravenously helps raise the pH levels and correct the acid-base imbalance.

B. Incorrect. Encouraging the client to consume more acidic foods would worsen metabolic acidosis and is not a suitable intervention.

C. Incorrect. Increasing fluid intake is not a specific intervention for correcting metabolic acidosis. The focus should be on addressing the underlying acid-base imbalance.

D. Incorrect. Promoting shallow breathing to retain carbon dioxide is not a recommended intervention for correcting metabolic acidosis. Respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis are different types of acid-base imbalances with distinct causes and treatments.

A. Incorrect. While administering prescribed medications is important, the priority in acute renal failure is to closely monitor the client's intake and output to assess kidney function and fluid balance.

B. Correct. Monitoring intake and output is a priority nursing intervention in acute renal failure. Accurate assessment of urine output helps determine the client's kidney function and the effectiveness of treatment.

C. Incorrect. Providing emotional support is essential, but it is not the priority over monitoring kidney function and fluid balance.

D. Incorrect. Preventing infection and complications is important, but it is not the priority over assessing kidney function in acute renal failure.

QUESTIONS