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 ["C","E","F"]
Explanation
C.Place pillows around the bed rails to provide padding: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the client may experience uncontrolled movements and convulsions. Placing pillows around the bed rails helps prevent injury by providing padding and cushioning.
E.Increase the supplemental oxygen to 10 L/min via nasal cannula: The client's oxygen saturation is dangerously low at 40%. Increasing the supplemental oxygen to 10 L/min via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxia.
F.Manually ventilate the client with a bag-valve-mask: Since the respiratory rate is only 4 breaths/min, the client is not adequately ventilating on their own. Manual ventilation with a bag-valve maskwill provide necessary oxygenation and ventilation support during the seizure.
The other options are not appropriate actions at this time:
- Begin chest compressions: Chest compressions are indicated if the client's heart has stopped or if they are in cardiac arrest. Since the scenario describes a seizure, the client's heart is presumed to be functioning.
- Watch the seizure activity and document the time and client movement: Although documentation is important, during an active seizure, the priority is to ensure the client's safety and provide immediate interventions. Documentation can be done after the seizure has ended.
- Stop the IV fluids: There is no indication to stop the IV fluids based on the given information. IV fluids are generally continued unless there is a specific reason to discontinue them.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can be caused by an allergic reaction to medication, including antibiotics. It is essential for the PN to recognize this potentially severe allergic reaction and take immediate action.
Immediate action steps include:
- Stop the infusion of the intravenous antibiotic immediately.
- Notify the healthcare provider and report the allergic reaction.
- Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation to ensure there are no signs of respiratory distress or anaphylaxis.
- Administer prescribed emergency medications if needed (e.g., epinephrine, antihistamines).
- Monitor the client closely for any further signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
The other assessment findings mentioned are also important to address, but they do not require immediate action:
A- Dry mouth with thirst: This may indicate dehydration, which should be addressed by encouraging the client to drink fluids, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety.
B- Warm skin with elastic turgor: This suggests that the client is adequately hydrated, and the skin's elasticity is normal, which is a positive finding.
C- Low-grade fever with diaphoresis: A low-grade fever indicates a mild elevation in temperature, and diaphoresis (sweating) may be the body's response to regulate temperature. The PN should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, but this finding does not require immediate action
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