Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine.
Serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are vital signs that should be monitored in any client, but they are not laboratory results. ESRD can cause hypertension and cardiovascular complications, so blood pressure and heart rate should be controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. Temperature should be monitored for signs of infection or inflammation.
Choice B reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are not specific laboratory results for ESRD. Leukocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that indicate immune system activity and infection. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can affect the immune system and the thyroid function, but these are not the primary indicators of renal function.
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are important laboratory results for ESRD. ESRD can cause electrolyte imbalances that can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and bones. Serum potassium can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Serum calcium can decrease due to impaired absorption and activation of vitamin D and cause muscle cramps, tetany, and osteoporosis. Serum phosphorus can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause soft tissue calcification and bone pain.
Choice D reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that measure red blood cell count, oxygen-carrying capacity, and blood volume. ESRD can cause anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, these are not the most significant laboratory results for ESRD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Remove the catheter and palpate the client’s bladder for residual distention. This is not the best action, as it may cause discomfort and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be removed until the bladder is fully emptied or up to 1,000 mL of urine is drained, as removing it too soon may cause urinary retention or infection.
Choice B reason: Allow the bladder to empty completely or up to 1,000 mL of urine. This is the best action, as it can prevent bladder spasms, overdistention, or rupture. The nurse should monitor the urine output and color, and document the amount and characteristics of urine drained.
Choice C reason: Clamp the catheter for thirty minutes and then resume draining. This is not the best action, as it may cause pain and discomfort to the client. The catheter should not be clamped unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as clamping it may increase the risk of infection or bladder damage.
Choice D reason: Remove the catheter and replace with an indwelling catheter. This is not the best action, as it may cause unnecessary exposure and trauma to the client. The catheter should not be replaced unless ordered by the healthcare provider, as replacing it may increase the risk of infection or urethral injury.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reinforcing need for adequate hydration is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this is a general recommendation for all clients and does not address the specific needs of this client. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: Providing typed instructions for healthy diet selection is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this may not be feasible or accessible for this client who lives in a poor neighborhood and may have limited resources and literacy. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C reason: Scheduling follow-up appointments with specialists is the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can ensure that this client receives continuous and comprehensive care for their complex and chronic conditions, which can improve their outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Demonstrating specific breathing and walking exercises is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as this can be done by other health care professionals or at home by the client. This is another distractor choice.
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