A male client with acute kidney injury (AKI) is scheduled for his first hemodialysis treatment and asks the practical nurse (PN) how the treatments will be evaluated for effectiveness. The PN explains that blood samples will be collected for analysis. Which laboratory value should the PN explain as the best indicator of each hemodialysis?
Elevated potassium.
Decreased calcium.
Lowered hemoglobin.
Decreased creatinine.
The Correct Answer is D
Hemodialysis is a procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to function properly. One of the waste products that accumulate in the blood during kidney dysfunction is creatinine. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism, and its levels in the blood are normally regulated and eliminated by the kidneys. In AKI, the kidneys are not able to effectively filter and eliminate creatinine, leading to elevated levels in the blood. Hemodialysis helps to remove excess creatinine from the blood, resulting in decreased creatinine levels.

A- Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are common in AKI and can be life-threatening. Hemodialysis helps to remove excess potassium from the blood, restoring normal levels.
However, the best indicator of the effectiveness of hemodialysis in managing hyperkalemia would be monitoring the potassium levels before and after the session rather than considering it as the "best" indicator.
B- Decreased calcium levels can occur in kidney dysfunction due to impaired activation of vitamin D and decreased absorption of calcium from the intestines. While hemodialysis can help restore calcium levels, it may not be the primary laboratory value used to evaluate the effectiveness of each session.
C- Lowered hemoglobin levels can be seen in AKI due to various factors, including decreased production of red blood cells and blood loss. Hemodialysis can help remove waste products and excess fluid, but it may not directly address the underlying causes of lowered hemoglobin levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
In infants with heart failure, they may have difficulty feeding due to fatigue and increased work of breathing. Allowing the infant to rest before feeding helps conserve their energy and reduces the risk of excessive fatigue during feeding.

The other options are not appropriate interventions for this situation:
A.Weigh before and after feeding: Weighing before and after feeding is not necessary in this case unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. It is not directly related to the management of feeding an infant with heart failure.
C.Feed the infant when he cries: Feeding the infant solely based on crying may not be appropriate in this case. It is important to establish a feeding schedule and monitor the infant's signs of hunger and satiety to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent overfeeding.
D.Insert a nasogastric feeding tube: Inserting a nasogastric feeding tube should not be the first intervention unless there is a specific indication or order from the healthcare provider. In this scenario, the focus is on supporting oral feeding and allowing the infant to rest before feeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should reteach the proper use of the spirometer when the client demonstrates blowing forcefully into the mouthpiece. The proper way to use an incentive spirometer is to sit upright, hold the spirometer upright, place your mouth around the mouthpiece, breathe out slowly, and then inhale slowly only through your mouth as deeply as you can. Blowing forcefully into the mouthpiece is not the correct way to use an incentive spirometer.
B. Exhaling slowly after two seconds: This is actually a correct action when using an incentive spirometer. The proper way to use an incentive spirometer is to exhale slowly before inhaling deeply.
C. Using a tight seal around the mouthpiece: This is also a correct action when using an incentive spirometer. It’s important to create a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips to ensure that you’re inhaling and exhaling only through your mouth.
D. Sitting upright during the treatment: This is another correct action when using an incentive spirometer. Sitting upright helps you to breathe more deeply and fully, which is the goal of using an incentive spirometer.

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