Which laboratory value is most indicative of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL
Serum creatinine of 5.0 mg/dL
Urine specific gravity of 1.015
The Correct Answer is C
(A) Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L: Normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), does not indicate CKD.
(B) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL: BUN can fluctuate with hydration status and is not the most specific CKD marker.
(C) Serum creatinine of 5.0 mg/dL: Creatinine is a direct marker of kidney function. A level above 1.2 mg/dL suggests dysfunction, and 5.0 mg/dL is severely elevated, indicating CKD.
(D) Urine specific gravity of 1.015: Falls within the normal range (1.010-1.030), does not indicate CKD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Sodium: Thiazide diuretics can lower sodium, but hyponatremia does not directly affect digoxin toxicity.
(B) Magnesium: Magnesium is important for cardiac function but not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.
(C) Calcium: Thiazides can cause hypercalcemia, but calcium does not significantly affect digoxin toxicity.
(D) Potassium: Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) cause potassium loss, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Hypokalemia sensitizes the heart to digoxin’s effects, leading to arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Promote diuresis and reduce ascites: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in cirrhosis to help manage fluid retention and ascites caused by portal hypertension.
(B) Prevent worsening liver damage: Spironolactone does not directly protect the liver.
(C) Reduce blood pressure: Though it can lower BP, this is not its primary use in cirrhosis.
(D) Increase urine output without affecting potassium levels: It spares potassium, but monitoring is still needed to prevent hyperkalemia.
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