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?

Heart rate of 90 beats per minute with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) noted on telemetry: This finding indicates an abnormality in the heart's electrical conduction system. PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats that originate in the ventricles. They can sometimes be benign, but they can also be associated with underlying heart conditions or electrolyte imbalances. Since the client is experiencing dizziness and tingling, which could be related to cardiac function, it is important to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management.

Incorrect:

A. Regular heart rate of 100 beats per minute on telemetry: This finding describes a heart rate within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute for adults). It does not indicate any immediate concerns or abnormalities that would require reporting to the healthcare provider in this context.
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds on assessment: Following a small bowel resection, it is common for bowel sounds to be temporarily reduced or absent due to the surgical manipulation and the bowel's response to anesthesia. Hypoactive bowel sounds alone do not directly relate to the client's reported symptoms of dizziness and tingling in digits, nor do they suggest an immediate need for reporting to the healthcare provider.
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds on assessment: Hyperactive bowel sounds, characterized by increased loudness and frequency, can occur due to conditions such as gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction. However, in the context of a client who has undergone a small bowel resection and is on NPO status, hyperactive bowel sounds would not be expected and may indicate a potential complication. While it is important to monitor and document this finding, it is not directly related to the client's reported symptoms and does not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider in this scenario.

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.