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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Electrolytes are within normal limits: Acute Renal Failure (ARF) leads to electrolyte imbalances (↑ K+, ↑ BUN/creatinine, metabolic acidosis). A successful treatment goal is restoring normal electrolyte balance.

B. Blood pressure is decreased to 120/80. BP control is important but not the primary goal in ARF.

C. Decrease of pain by 3 points on a 1-10 scale. Pain control is important, but not the main indicator of ARF improvement.

D. The client will understand how to care for the AV fistula. This applies to chronic kidney disease clients on hemodialysis, not ARF management.

A. Constipation B. Negative Trousseau’s sign C. BP of 180/88 D. Numbness and tingling of the extremities

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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