The nurse is presenting information about the development of nephrosclerosis. Which of the following points will the nurse include?

Rationale:
A. A serum creatinine level of 6 mg/dL is significantly elevated above the normal range (0.6–1.3 mg/dL) and is a key indicator of acute kidney injury (AKI). Creatinine rises when the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste products from the blood, reflecting a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This finding strongly suggests impaired renal function.
B. A serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not indicate AKI. In kidney injury, potassium is typically elevated due to reduced excretion.
C. A hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range (13–17 g/dL for males, 12–15 g/dL for females) and is unrelated to AKI.
D. A BUN level of 15 mg/dL is normal (reference range 7–20 mg/dL) and does not suggest kidney dysfunction.

Rationale:
A. Warming the dialysate solution in a microwave is unsafe, as it can cause uneven heating and increase the risk of peritoneal injury. Dialysate should always be warmed using a dry heating pad or warming cabinet, not a microwave.
B. Flushing the tubing with normal saline is not appropriate for managing cloudy effluent. This could introduce infection or disrupt the sterile system. The nurse must first determine the cause of the opacity before any intervention involving the catheter.
C. Obtaining a sample of the effluent and sending it to the laboratory is the priority action. An opaque or cloudy peritoneal effluent is an early sign of peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. The specimen should be sent for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy.
D. Checking the catheter for kinking or curling is appropriate if there is poor drainage or inflow issues, not when the effluent appears cloudy. The presence of opacity indicates infection, not a mechanical problem with the catheter.