A nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who presents with hyperkalemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is needed to address the underlying cause and prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which may suggest an infection. While this requires medical attention, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is considered high, but it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention in the context of COPD. Hypertension should be managed, but it is not an acute emergency.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Monitoring the patient’s heart rate is important, but it is not an urgent concern in this scenario.

Choice A rationale
Post-renal acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by obstruction of urine flow, leading to decreased urine output, but it does not typically cause crackles in the lungs.
Choice B rationale
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), but it does not cause crackles in the lungs.
Choice C rationale
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) involves excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia, but it does not cause crackles in the lungs.
Choice D rationale
Congestive heart failure (CHF) can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs (crackles) and decreased urine output due to poor cardiac function and renal perfusion.