Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
Serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus
Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine
Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are laboratory results that should be closely monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is a chronic condition that causes irreversible loss of kidney function and accumulation of waste products and fluids in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates nerve and muscle function and cardiac rhythm. ESRD can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to reduced excretion by the kidneys. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Calcium and phosphorus are minerals that maintain bone health and acid-base balance. ESRD can cause hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) due to impaired vitamin D metabolism and hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels) due to reduced excretion by the kidneys. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle cramps, tetany, or seizures. Hyperphosphatemia can cause soft tissue calcification, bone pain, or fractures.
Choice B reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that are not as critical as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes. ESRD can cause anemia (low erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels) due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation, by the kidneys. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath.
Choice C reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are laboratory results that are not as relevant as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Leukocytes are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are a type of leukocyte that respond to bacterial infection. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can cause leukopenia (low leukocyte levels) and neutropenia (low neutrophil levels) due to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. ESRD can also cause hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels) due to reduced clearance of thyroid hormones by the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, or depression.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are not laboratory results, but vital signs that should be monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Temperature is the measure of body heat. ESRD can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) due to fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypertension can cause headache, chest pain, or stroke. ESRD can also cause tachycardia (high heart rate) due to anemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, dizziness, or heart failure. ESRD can also cause fever (high temperature) due to infection or inflammation. Fever can cause chills, sweating, or delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C reason: vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. The client should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K from food sources, such as dark green leafy vegetables, to avoid fluctuations in the blood levels of warfarin.
Choice A reason: increasing the intake of dark green leafy vegetables while taking warfarin can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting.
Choice B reason: eating two servings of dark green leafy vegetables daily and continuing for 30 days after warfarin therapy is completed can cause unpredictable changes in the blood levels of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding or clotting.
Choice D reason: avoiding any foods that contain any vitamin K while taking warfarin can increase the sensitivity to warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this does not address the problem of the client picking at the dressing and tape. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: Applying soft bilateral wrist restraints is an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this can prevent the client from harming themselves or dislodging the dressing and IV line. This is a last resort measure that requires a physician's order and close monitoring. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C reason: Leaving the light on in the room at night is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this can disturb the client's sleep and worsen their confusion. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D reason: Redressing the abdominal incision is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this does not prevent the client from picking at it again. This is another distractor choice.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.