A nurse is providing education to a client about the etiology of acute renal failure. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the condition?

A. Incorrect. Muscle cramps in acute renal failure are often related to electrolyte imbalances, including high potassium levels. Encouraging the consumption of potassium-rich foods would exacerbate the issue.

B. Incorrect. Muscle relaxants may not be appropriate for all clients, and the underlying cause of the muscle cramps should be addressed first.

C. Correct. Applying warm compresses to the affected muscles can help relax muscle tension and provide relief from muscle cramps.

D. Incorrect. Gentle stretching exercises may not be appropriate for a client experiencing muscle cramps, as stretching could exacerbate the discomfort.

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.