A client with a 16-year history of diabetes mellitus is having renal function tests because of recent fatigue, weakness, elevated blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels. Which finding should the nurse conclude as an early symptom of renal insufficiency?
Stomatitis and Diarrhea
Dyspnea and Anuria
Confusion and Vomiting
Nocturia and Oliguria
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: These are symptoms of advance renal failure. Stomatitis and diarrhea are signs of uremia, which is the accumulation of waste products in the blood.
Choice B rationale: Dyspnea and anuria are signs of fluid overload and kidney shutdown and indicate advanced renal failure.
Choice C rationale: Confusion and vomiting are signs of acidosis and electrolyte disturbances and occur in advanced stages of renal failure.
Choice D rationale: One of the early symptoms of renal insufficiency is nocturia, which is the need to urinate frequently at night. This occurs because the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine during the day and produce more urine at night. Another early symptom is oliguria, which is the production of less than 400 mL of urine per day. This occurs because the kidneys are unable to excrete enough urine to maintain fluid balance.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: These lab findings, particularly concentrated urine (high specific gravity) and hyponatremia, are consistent with SIADH, where excessive ADH secretion leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia.
Choice B rationale: While it can affect sodium levels, Cushing's syndrome typically results in hypernatremia or normal sodium levels rather than hyponatremia.
Choice C rationale: Usually presents with hyponatremia but not specifically with high urine specific gravity or hematocrit.
Choice D rationale: DI is associated with high serum sodium and low urine specific gravity due to excessive excretion of dilute urine.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Irregular respirations, bradycardia, and widened pulse pressure might indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale: This set of symptoms is often seen in cardiac tamponade and is referred to as the Beck’s triad and not Cushing's triad.
Choice C rationale: Cushing's triad is a set of clinical signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and typically includes bradycardia (slow heart rate),
hypertension (elevated blood pressure), and irregular breathing patterns. Fixed pupils can also be present in some cases, but it's important to note that this triad is not always consistently present and may vary from person to person.
Choice D rationale: This set of symptoms describes symptoms of shock, not specifically Cushing's triad.

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