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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A. "I don't need to go to the hospital if I have another seizure unless it is a very long seizure or if I have several in a row." This statement demonstrates an understanding that certain characteristics of seizures, such as prolonged duration or multiple seizures in succession, may require medical attention and evaluation.
C. "I may never know why I started having seizures." This statement acknowledges the possibility that the underlying cause of the seizures may remain unknown. Seizure etiology can vary, and in some cases, the specific cause cannot be determined despite diagnostic tests.
D. "Having a medic alert bracelet might be a good idea, but it is up to me to decide if I want it or not." This statement recognizes the potential benefits of wearing a medic alert bracelet, which can provide crucial information about the client's condition in case of emergencies. It emphasizes the client's autonomy in making the decision, showing an understanding of the role and significance of the bracelet.
The following statement does not indicate understanding:

"There are really no lifestyle changes that I can do that will affect my risk of having another seizure." This statement is incorrect, as there are lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of seizures, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding triggers (if known), and taking prescribed medications as directed.
Regarding the statement "I can stop taking the phenytoin if I go for a while and don't have a seizure," it is not included in the given options.

A. The injury may require medical attention, as the mother mentioned that the boy is in pain. B. The abrasions on the boy's leg and hand have healed. C. The mother describes what she did after her child got injured. D. The boy lacks coordination when answering the nurse's questions.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This is the correct answer, as it reﬂects the nurse's assessment of the injury and the appropriate action to take. The nurse should consider the mother's report of pain as a valid indicator of the severity of the injury, and should not dismiss or minimize it. The nurse should also observe the boy's arm and shoulder for any signs of fracture, dislocation, swelling, bruising, or deformity, and ask him to rate his pain on a scale of 0 to 10. The nurse should then decide whether to refer the boy to a physician or an emergency department for further evaluation and treatment.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

The mother of a school-aged boy tells the practical nurse (PN) that he fell out of a tree and hurt his arm and shoulder. The mother says the boy is in pain and needs medical help. The nurse should assess the injury and decide the appropriate action to take.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which laboratory value is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to review?

In assessing a 2-year-old boy with croup, the practical nurse (PN) finds that he has become increasingly irritable and has developed tachypnea and resting- Which intervention is best for the PN to implement?

A client whose first child was delivered by cesarean section is 20 weeks pregnant with her second child and wishes to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). What information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain?

A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is receiving regular insulin. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin dosage?

The practical nurse (PN) is told that she keeps her 2-year-old child in a playpen so he will not get dirty. Which statement should the PN use in responding to this concern about using a playpen?

The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a child who was admitted after experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. When witnessing the child begin the seizure, what should the PN implement immediately? (Select all that apply.)

The medication aide at a long-term care facility is sick and requests to go home before all medications are administered. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take in this situation?