A nurse is monitoring a client who has acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
Elevated BUN
Hypercalcemia
Metabolic alkalosis
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: In acute kidney injury (AKI), the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is expected to be elevated due to the kidneys' impaired ability to excrete urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Normal BUN levels range from approximately 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Choice B reason: Hypercalcemia is not commonly associated with AKI. Instead, patients with AKI may experience hypocalcemia due to the kidneys' reduced ability to convert vitamin D to its active form, which is necessary for calcium absorption.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis is not a typical finding in AKI. More commonly, patients with AKI experience metabolic acidosis because the kidneys are unable to excrete acid effectively, leading to an accumulation of acid in the body.
Choice D reason: Hypokalemia is generally not expected in AKI. The condition is more often associated with hyperkalemia, as the impaired kidney function leads to a reduced excretion of potassium, which can accumulate to dangerous levels.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that control the bladder and sphincter muscles, leading to urinary retention.
Choice B reason: Streptococcal infection is not typically associated with urinary retention unless it specifically affects the urinary tract, which is not common.
Choice C reason: Constipation can cause urinary retention by exerting pressure on the bladder or urethra, obstructing the flow of urine.
Choice D reason: Parkinson's disease can lead to urinary retention due to the impairment of nerve signals that
control the bladder.
Choice E reason: Pelvic organ prolapse can obstruct the urethra, leading to difficulty in emptying the bladder and resulting in urinary retention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia, which is an abnormally high level of sodium in the blood, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. Prerenal AKI is often related to hypovolemia, which can lead to hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, is not a common finding in prerenal AKI. Phosphate levels are more often affected in intrinsic renal diseases or refeeding syndrome.
Choice C reason: Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, is not commonly seen in prerenal AKI. It is more frequently associated with malignancies or hyperparathyroidism.
Choice D reason: Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, is a common electrolyte imbalance in prerenal AKI. This occurs due to decreased renal perfusion and the kidney's reduced ability to excrete potassium.
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