The nurse is caring for a patient after a barium enema. When assessing the patient's subsequent bowel patterns and stools, what finding will the nurse report to the health care provider?

Choice A reason: Administering phosphate binders with meals is an essential intervention for managing renal osteodystrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal osteodystrophy results from an imbalance of calcium and phosphate in the body due to impaired kidney function. Phosphate binders help reduce the absorption of phosphate from the diet, thereby lowering serum phosphate levels and preventing complications such as secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone disorders. This intervention helps maintain the proper balance of minerals, improving bone health and reducing the risk of fractures and other skeletal complications in CKD patients.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the patient to increase potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for managing renal osteodystrophy. Patients with CKD often need to limit their potassium intake because impaired kidney function can lead to hyperkalaemia (elevated potassium levels), which is potentially life-threatening. Instead of promoting potassium-rich foods, the focus should be on controlling phosphate and maintaining calcium levels.

Choice C reason: Monitoring calcium levels for signs of hypocalcaemia is important in CKD management, but it is not the primary intervention for renal osteodystrophy. While hypocalcaemia can occur in CKD due to disrupted vitamin D metabolism, addressing phosphate levels through the use of phosphate binders is a more targeted approach to managing renal osteodystrophy and preventing secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Choice D reason: Increasing fluid intake to 3 litters per day is generally not recommended for CKD patients, especially those with reduced urine output or fluid retention issues. Excessive fluid intake can lead to fluid overload, hypertension, and heart failure in CKD patients. The intervention should focus on phosphate control rather than fluid intake adjustments.

Choice A reason: Potassium supplements can actually be important for patients on diuretic therapy, especially if they are taking loop diuretics like furosemide, which can cause potassium loss. However, it is important to monitor potassium levels and follow the physician's guidance on supplement use.

Choice B reason: Instructing the patient to take diuretics at bedtime is not recommended. Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid frequent urination during the night, which can disrupt sleep.

Choice C reason: Notifying the physician if weight increases by three pounds in one week is a key instruction for patients with heart failure. Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical evaluation and adjustment of treatment.

Choice D reason: Administering diuretics in the morning and notifying the physician of decreased urine output is important, but the focus on notifying the physician about significant weight gain provides a more specific and actionable guideline for managing heart failure.