A client is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) which was caused by massive tissue trauma. The nurse notes peaked T-waves and a widened QRS complex on the cardiac monitor. What is the first action the nurse should take?

Check the client's most recent potassium level

Administer a bolus of 1,000 mL of normal saline

Administer potassium chloride intravenously (IV)

Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Peaked T-waves and a widened QRS complex on an ECG are often signs of hyperkalemia, which is an elevated potassium level in the blood. This can be a serious complication of acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in the oliguric phase when the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium.A
B.   While fluid management is important in AKI, administering a bolus of normal saline is not the first priority in the presence of suspected hyperkalemia. The primary concern is to address the electrolyte imbalance.

C.   Administering potassium chloride would worsen hyperkalemia and should be avoided.
D.   Kayexalate is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract. However, checking the potassium level is the first step in confirming the diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. MS is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, not the kidneys.
B. MG is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, not the kidneys.
C. GBS is an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, not the kidneys.
D. SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis is a common complication of SLE.

A. Hemoglobin B. Platelets C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) D. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Hemoglobin levels measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A reduced ejection fraction (30%) is more closely related to heart failure or significant cardiac dysfunction, which is not directly indicated by changes in hemoglobin levels.
B. Platelet levels are primarily involved in blood clotting and are less directly related to ejection fraction. Elevated or decreased platelet counts are not typically used as indicators of heart failure severity or reduced ejection fraction.
C. In cases of severe heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, you may see elevated BUN levels due to these effects. However, it is not directly related to heart failure.
D. BNP is a hormone released by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload, typically seen in heart failure. Elevated BNP levels are associated with worsening heart failure and can be elevated in patients with a reduced ejection fraction. In heart failure, especially with an ejection fraction as low as 30%, BNP levels are often significantly elevated.

View Question and Answer

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

A client is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) which was caused by massive tissue trauma. The nurse notes peaked T-waves and a widened QRS complex on the cardiac monitor. What is the first action the nurse should take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has inflammation of the glomeruli which was discovered by a routine urinalysis. The nurse understands that which of the following autoimmune disorders can cause chronic glomerulonephritis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing the results of the client's echocardiogram and observes that the ejection fraction is 30%. Which lab result would the nurse expect to be elevated for a client with this ejection fraction?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as the most concerning for a client with this condition?

An older adult client is brought to an urgent care clinic by her paid in-home caregiver for a suspected UTI. The client has bruising to the left side of her face and appears fearful when her caregiver makes sudden movements. Which priority action should the nurse take first?

A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the home medications of client who has a history of asthma, and who is at the clinic to have a routine annual physical. Which statement made by the patient would indicate a need for further action by the nurse?

A nurse educator is providing an educational in-service about various neurological disorders. Which statement should be included when teaching about Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

A nurse is discussing the importance of following a low-sodium diet with a client who has heart failure. Which of the following food items would be appropriate for this patient to choose?

A client who has a new diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease asks the nurse "Why did I develop this disease? What caused it?" Which response should the nurse provide?

A nurse is caring for a client who has shortness of breath and a chronic cough. The client has smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for the last 20 years. Which finding on the client's chest x-ray would be consistent with a diagnosis of advanced COPD?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Despite medication therapy, the client's platelet count remains low. Which of the following procedures would reduce the destruction of platelets for a client who has ITP?