The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (R

Choice A reason: Eating any foods before dialysis as long as fluid intake is limited is incorrect. Patients undergoing hemodialysis need to follow specific dietary restrictions to manage electrolyte balance and prevent complications. A renal diet typically limits potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake, in addition to fluid restrictions.

Choice B reason: Reporting any unusual changes in the access site, like redness or swelling, is correct. Changes at the access site can indicate infection or other complications and require immediate attention.

Choice C reason: Checking blood pressure regularly to monitor for changes during dialysis is correct. Blood pressure monitoring is essential during dialysis to detect hypotension or hypertension and adjust treatment accordingly.

Choice D reason: Contacting the healthcare provider if swelling in hands, feet, or ankles is noticed is correct. Swelling can indicate fluid overload or other complications that need to be addressed.

Choice E reason: Understanding that hemodialysis will permanently cure kidney disease is incorrect. Hemodialysis is a treatment that replaces kidney function but does not cure kidney disease. It manages symptoms and removes waste products from the blood.

Choice A reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common indicator of fluid volume deficit. When a patient is dehydrated or has a significant loss of fluids, their blood volume decreases, leading to lower blood pressure. This condition requires immediate attention and management to prevent complications such as shock or organ failure. Monitoring and correcting fluid balance is crucial in managing patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, making hypotension a significant assessment finding.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not typically associated with fluid volume deficit. It is more often related to other conditions such as heart block, hypothyroidism, or use of certain medications. In the context of diabetic ketoacidosis, fluid volume deficit would not manifest primarily as bradycardia.

Choice C reason: Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is a symptom commonly associated with diabetes mellitus but does not indicate fluid volume deficit. Polyphagia results from the body's inability to use glucose properly, leading to increased hunger. It is not directly related to the patient's hydration status or fluid volume.

Choice D reason: Rapid, deep respiration, also known as Kussmaul breathing, is a compensatory mechanism in response to metabolic acidosis, a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis. While it is an important clinical sign, it does not specifically indicate fluid volume deficit. Kussmaul respiration occurs due to the body's attempt to expel excess carbon dioxide and correct the acid-base imbalance.