A client with acute renal injury (AKI) weighs 110.3 pounds (50 kg) and has a potassium level of 6.7 mEq/L (6.7 mmol/L) is admitted to the hospital. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?
Reference Range:
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate 15 grams by mouth.
Sevelamer one tablet by mouth.
Calcium acetate one tablet by mouth.
Epoetin alfa, recombinant 2,500 units subcutaneously.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication that binds to excess potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, and it is a common complication of AKI. Therefore, this medication should be administered first to lower the potassium level and prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice B reason: Sevelamer is a medication that binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, which is a high level of phosphorus in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can cause bone loss and soft tissue calcification, and it is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice C reason: Calcium acetate is a medication that also binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It has the same effect and indication as sevelamer, but it also provides calcium supplementation. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice D reason: Epoetin alfa, recombinant is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is used to treat anemia, which is a low level of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and it is a common complication of CKD and AKI. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- The client is most likely experiencing compartment syndrome, which is a condition where increased pressure within a closed space compromises blood flow and tissue perfusion. Compartment syndrome can occur after a fracture, especially if a cast or splint is applied too tightly. Some of the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome are severe pain, paresthesia, pallor, and pulselessness.
- Two actions the nurse should take to address compartment syndrome are:
- Elevate the extremity above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and improve venous return.
- Remove the cast or loosen the dressing to relieve the pressure and restore blood flow. This may require notifying the physician or obtaining an order for bivalving or cutting the cast.
- Two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s condition are:
- Capillary refill of the affected fingers, which should be less than 3 seconds. A prolonged capillary refill indicates poor perfusion and tissue ischemia.
- Blood pressure of the client, which should be maintained within normal limits. Hypotension can worsen the perfusion deficit and lead to tissue necrosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sweet potatoes are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate, which is a substance that can combine with calcium in the urine and form stones. The client should limit foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and wheat bran. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Spinach salad is a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is high in oxalate, which can increase the risk of stone formation. The client should consume foods that are low in oxalate, such as rice, corn, apples, grapes, peaches, and cheese. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C reason: Bananas are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate and high in potassium, which can help prevent stone formation. The client should increase the intake of fluids, calcium, and citrate, which can reduce the concentration of oxalate and calcium in the urine and inhibit stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Fish is not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is low in oxalate and high in protein, which can help maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. The client should moderate the intake of animal protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, which can increase the acidity of the urine and promote stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
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