Which of the following would the nurse expect to find when reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with renal failure?
Increased red blood cell count
Decreased serum potassium level
Increased serum creatinine level
Increased serum calcium level
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Renal failure impairs erythropoietin production, a hormone stimulating red blood cell synthesis, leading to anemia, not an increased red blood cell count. Reduced glomerular filtration exacerbates toxin accumulation, further suppressing bone marrow activity, making an elevated red blood cell count unlikely in this condition.
Choice B reason: In renal failure, kidneys fail to excrete potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, not decreased serum potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias due to altered membrane potentials. A decreased potassium level is more associated with conditions like diuretic use or vomiting, not renal failure.
Choice C reason: Increased serum creatinine is a hallmark of renal failure, as kidneys cannot filter creatinine, a muscle metabolism byproduct. Elevated levels reflect reduced glomerular filtration rate, indicating kidney dysfunction. This is a reliable marker for assessing renal failure severity and progression, making it an expected finding.
Choice D reason: Renal failure typically causes hypocalcemia, not increased serum calcium, due to impaired vitamin D activation and phosphate retention, which binds calcium. Hypercalcemia is rare and may occur in other conditions like hyperparathyroidism, not renal failure, where calcium homeostasis is disrupted by kidney dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Saying “I am not sure I follow you” seeks clarification, encouraging the patient to elaborate without dismissing their feelings. It fosters open communication, allowing the nurse to understand the patient’s concerns better, which supports therapeutic interaction and validates the patient’s emotional expression in a clinical setting.
Choice B reason: Noticing lip-biting acknowledges nonverbal cues, signaling the nurse’s attentiveness to the patient’s emotional state. This observation invites further discussion without judgment, promoting trust and validating the patient’s feelings, which is therapeutic and does not undermine or belittle their concerns in a mental health context.
Choice C reason: Stating “You appear tense” reflects observation of the patient’s emotional state, prompting exploration of underlying issues. It validates the patient’s feelings without dismissal, encouraging dialogue. This therapeutic approach supports emotional expression and does not belittle concerns, making it appropriate in a nurse-patient interaction.
Choice D reason: Saying “Everything will be alright” dismisses the patient’s concerns by offering false reassurance without addressing specific issues. This minimizes their emotional experience, potentially invalidating feelings and discouraging open communication, which can undermine trust and hinder therapeutic progress in managing mental health concerns.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sitting upright with uncrossed limbs at eye level conveys openness and engagement. Uncrossed arms and legs signal non-defensiveness, while eye-level positioning fosters equality and trust. This posture aligns with therapeutic communication principles, promoting a safe, accepting environment for the client to express emotions freely.
Choice B reason: Leaning forward with arms on a table may appear intrusive or aggressive, potentially making the client feel uncomfortable. While engagement is intended, this posture can reduce personal space, disrupting the therapeutic environment and hindering the client’s sense of safety and acceptance during the conversation.
Choice C reason: Sitting upright with feet on the floor is neutral but less specific in conveying acceptance. Without mention of uncrossed arms or eye-level positioning, it may not fully signal openness. While not negative, it lacks the full therapeutic posture needed to maximize client comfort and trust.
Choice D reason: Turning to the side with folded arms suggests defensiveness or disengagement, which can make the client feel unaccepted or dismissed. This posture contradicts therapeutic communication principles, as it creates a barrier to open dialogue and may hinder the client’s willingness to share emotions.
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