A nurse is monitoring a client who has acute kidney injury. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
Hypercalcemia
Elevated BUN
Metabolic alkalosis
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypercalcemia: AKI is typically associated with hypocalcemia because the kidneys fail to convert vitamin D to its active form, reducing calcium absorption.
B. Elevated BUN: AKI leads to impaired renal filtration, causing elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels due to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste.
C. Metabolic alkalosis: AKI usually causes metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis, due to the accumulation of acids (e.g., lactic acid, uremic toxins).
D. Hypokalemia: AKI commonly leads to hyperkalemia due to reduced potassium excretion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Constipation: Hypocalcemia causes diarrhea, while hypercalcemia causes constipation.
B. Negative Trousseau’s sign: A positive Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm during BP cuff inflation) is expected with hypocalcemia.
C. BP of 180/88: Severe hypocalcemia may cause hypotension, not hypertension.
D. Numbness and tingling of the extremities: Hypocalcemia can occur after a total thyroidectomy due to accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands. Neuromuscular excitability, including paresthesia (numbness and tingling), tetany, and muscle spasms, are classic signs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer supplemental oxygen: Hypokalemia primarily affects cardiac and neuromuscular function, not oxygenation. Oxygen may be needed if dysrhythmias develop but is not the highest priority.
B. Seizure precautions: While severe hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, seizures are not the primary concern. Cardiac effects take priority.
C. Cardiac monitoring: A potassium level of 2.2 mEq/L is critically low, increasing the risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring helps detect dangerous dysrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia.
D. Initiating a fluid restriction: Fluid restriction is more relevant for hyperkalemia or fluid overload, not hypokalemia.
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