The nurse is caring for four clients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which client would the nurse assess first upon initial rounding?
Client with skin Itching from head to toe
Client with a blood pressure of 158/90 mm Hg
Client with halitosis and stomatitis
Client with Kussmaul respirations
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Pruritus is a common symptom of CKD due to the buildup of uremic toxins and calcium-phosphate crystals under the skin. While uncomfortable, it is not immediately life-threatening and does not require urgent assessment.
B. Hypertension is common in CKD as a result of fluid retention and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Although this blood pressure needs monitoring and management, it is not an emergency requiring first assessment.
C. These are uremic manifestations due to the accumulation of ammonia and toxins in the body. They indicate progression of CKD but are not urgent or immediately life-threatening findings.
D. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occur as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of CKD. This client should be assessed first to evaluate acid-base balance, respiratory effort, and potential need for urgent intervention such as dialysis or bicarbonate therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Antihypertensives may be prescribed as supportive therapy to control elevated blood pressure, which is common in glomerulonephritis. However, they do not address the underlying cause, which is the streptococcal infection.
B. Anti-lipids (lipid-lowering agents) are not a standard treatment for acute glomerulonephritis. While hyperlipidemia can occur in chronic kidney disease, it is not the priority in the acute phase caused by infection.
C. Antidepressants may be used for patients experiencing long-term chronic illness–related depression, but they have no therapeutic role in treating acute glomerulonephritis.
D. Antibiotics are the expected and priority therapy for acute glomerulonephritis caused by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection. Treating the infection with appropriate antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) helps eliminate the organism, prevent further immune response, and reduce the risk of additional kidney damage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Maintaining a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mm Hg is important for ensuring adequate renal perfusion in general, but in the initial phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) following an anaphylactic reaction, the immediate priority is to restore intravascular volume. Hypotension from anaphylaxis causes decreased renal perfusion, which must be corrected first to prevent ischemic injury.
B. Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a documented or suspected infection. In this scenario, the AKI is due to hemodynamic instability, not infection.
C. Antihistamines help manage the allergic response during the acute phase of anaphylaxis but do not directly prevent kidney damage once perfusion has already decreased.
D. The primary treatment goal during the initial phase of AKI secondary to anaphylaxis is to restore circulating blood volume and renal perfusion by administering IV isotonic fluids (normal saline). This helps maintain glomerular filtration rate (GFR), prevents tubular ischemia, and reduces the risk of permanent kidney damage. Fluid resuscitation is critical before considering vasopressors or other supportive measures.
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