The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who is being assessed for possible target organ damage.
The nurse should monitor the results of which of the following diagnostic tests?

Choice A rationale

Magnesium and bilateral lower extremity ultrasounds are not primary diagnostic tests for hypertension-related target organ damage. Magnesium levels do not directly correlate with hypertension complications, and lower extremity ultrasounds mainly evaluate vascular issues, such as deep vein thrombosis, rather than organs affected by chronic hypertension.

Choice B rationale

Urinalysis assesses kidney function by detecting proteinuria, an indicator of renal damage due to hypertension. Blood chemistry provides electrolytes and renal function metrics, like creatinine (normal range: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL). A 12-lead ECG identifies left ventricular hypertrophy or arrhythmias linked to cardiac strain from persistent high blood pressure, a common sign of target organ damage.

Choice C rationale

Complete blood count evaluates overall health but does not specifically target organ damage related to hypertension. Electroencephalogram measures brain activity and is more relevant for neurological conditions, such as seizures, not complications from high blood pressure.

Choice D rationale

Troponin evaluates myocardial injury in acute settings like myocardial infarction, unrelated to chronic hypertension-induced organ damage. Calcium levels and partial thromboplastin time assess coagulation and bone health but do not directly indicate target organ involvement in hypertension.

Choice A rationale

Ureteral stones cause severe, colicky pain that radiates to the groin or genital area. The ureter’s narrow anatomy can trap stones, causing obstruction. This obstruction triggers increased intrarenal pressure and ureteral spasms, producing waves of intense pain. Hematuria and urinary urgency with minimal voiding are common due to mucosal irritation or obstruction.

Choice B rationale

While small stones may pass spontaneously, predicting exact timelines is speculative. Passage depends on factors like stone size, location, and hydration. For stones larger than 5 mm, spontaneous passage rates decrease, often requiring intervention. Therefore, giving definite timeframes may misinform patients and delay appropriate care.

Choice C rationale

Bladder stones typically cause suprapubic pain, urinary frequency, and hematuria rather than radiating pain to the thigh or genital area. Bladder irritation may lead to dysuria or cloudy urine, but the described symptoms are more consistent with ureteral obstruction rather than bladder involvement.

Choice D rationale

Some stones do require procedural removal, especially those causing recurrent infections or obstruction. However, initial management includes conservative measures like hydration and pain control, reserving procedures for unresolvable cases. Early procedural focus may unnecessarily alarm the client or overlook noninvasive options.