A nurse is providing care to a 7-year-old male client in the primary care office for a blood pressure check.

 

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1. Heart rate: 75/min
2. Pulse oximetry: 98% on room air
3. Blood pressure: 148/88 mm Hg
4. Height: 154.9 cm (61 inches)
5. Weight: 44.5 kg (98 lb)

Choice A rationale

Hypertension is less likely to be a direct complication of peritoneal dialysis. In fact, effective peritoneal dialysis can help manage fluid balance and remove excess sodium, which can contribute to better blood pressure control in individuals with kidney failure. The process aims to remove solutes and water, often mitigating hypertensive states.

Choice B rationale

Hyperglycemia can be a complication of peritoneal dialysis due to the high dextrose concentration in the dialysate solution. Dextrose, a type of sugar, is used as an osmotic agent to draw excess fluid and waste products from the blood into the peritoneal cavity. This can lead to increased glucose absorption into the bloodstream.

Choice C rationale

Peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum, is the most common and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. It occurs due to bacterial or fungal contamination of the peritoneal cavity, often introduced during catheter manipulation or connection. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cloudy dialysate, and fever, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment.

Choice D rationale

Hypokalemia is generally not a common complication of peritoneal dialysis. The dialysate solution typically contains potassium or is potassium-free, allowing for controlled removal of potassium from the body. However, significant potassium imbalances are usually managed by adjusting the dialysate composition rather than being a frequent, inherent complication.

Choice A rationale

A democratic nurse leader consistently works to share leadership with the group. This leadership style is characterized by collaborative decision-making, where the leader involves team members in discussions and seeks their input. This fosters a sense of ownership, increases motivation, and leverages the collective intelligence of the group.

Choice B rationale

Moving the group toward the leader's goals is characteristic of a more autocratic or directive leadership style. A democratic leader, conversely, aims to establish shared goals through group consensus, ensuring that the team feels invested in and committed to the objectives they helped to shape.

Choice C rationale

Making little or no attempt to move the group is indicative of a laissez-faire leadership style, where the leader provides minimal guidance and allows the group to largely self-direct. This differs significantly from democratic leadership, which actively facilitates participation and guides the group through collaborative processes.

Choice D rationale

Dampening creativity is typically associated with autocratic or overly rigid leadership styles that stifle individual input and innovative thinking. Democratic leadership, by contrast, encourages open communication and diverse perspectives, thereby promoting and enhancing creativity within the team.