The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute renal failure and has a potassium level of 8.3 mEq/L. What collaborative intervention would be a priority for this client?
Prepare the client for dialysis.
Start an IV and run normal saline at 50m/hour.
Repeat the electrolyte values later in the day
Monitor urine output
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the client for dialysis: A potassium level of 8.3 mEq/L is critically high (normal range: 3.5–5.3 mEq/L), putting the client at immediate risk for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation). Emergency dialysis is needed to remove excess potassium if other interventions (e.g., insulin, calcium gluconate) fail.
B. Start an IV and run normal saline at 50mL/hour: Fluid administration alone does not lower potassium quickly enough in a life-threatening situation.
C. Repeat the electrolyte values later in the day: Delaying treatment would increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
D. Monitor urine output: Although important, monitoring alone does not treat the emergency. Clients with acute renal failure often have little to no urine output.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of cooling therapy and does not indicate a need to stop treatment.
B. Shivering: Shivering counteracts the cooling effect of the blanket, increasing body temperature and metabolic demand. This indicates the treatment is ineffective and needs adjustment.
C. Hypotension: While cooling can cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure, mild hypotension does not immediately necessitate stopping treatment.
D. Vomiting: Vomiting may be due to fever-related illness but is not a direct indicator that cooling should be stopped.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "We'll find out if any medications, such as steroids, are interfering with your kidney function." Some medications affect kidney function, but creatinine primarily measures kidney efficiency, not drug interactions.
B. "This test will tell your doctor how your kidneys are functioning." Serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney function. It measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste products.
C. "This test will tell if you have severe renal impairment or disease." Creatinine can be elevated in mild, moderate, or severe kidney dysfunction, not just in severe disease.
D. "You'll have to ask your doctor." The nurse should provide basic health education to the client.
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