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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Pilocarpine ophthalmic drops are used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. They do not have an anesthetic effect and are not used for the purpose of numbing or anesthetizing the eyes. It is important for the client to have a correct understanding of the medication and its intended use.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:

A. Reassure the client that the drops will not be needed often since eye pain in glaucoma is not common: This statement is not accurate. While eye pain may not be a common symptom of glaucoma, pilocarpine drops are primarily used to reduce intraocular pressure, not to address eye pain.
B. Reteach the client about the action of the eye drops to decrease pressure in the eyes: This option may be considered if the client misunderstood the information initially, but it is not the most appropriate response in this scenario. The client's statement indicates a specific belief about the drops providing anesthetic effects, so clarifying the purpose of the drops is more appropriate.
C. Document in the chart that the client understands the action and use of the eye drops: Documentation is important, but in this case, it is necessary to address the client's misconception about the anesthetic effect of the drops and provide accurate information.

A. States her feet are constantly cold along with feeling numb. B. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL. C. A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful. D. Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This is the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which means that the client's blood sugar is too high and not well controlled by the insulin dose. The PN should report this finding to the healthcare provider and expect a possible adjustment in the insulin regimen.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing instructions for the use of pilocarpine ophthalmic drops with a client who has glaucoma. The client replies that the drops should be used to anesthetize the eye if eye pain is experienced. What action should the PN implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An adult female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is receiving NPH insulin 35 units each morning. Which finding should the practical nurse (PN) document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with the diagnosis of schizophrenia sitting all alone and talking quietly. Which action should the PN take?

A client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is receiving dicyclomine, an anticholinergic drug. Prior to administering the next dose, the practical nurse (PN) determines that the client's mucous membranes are dry, and the client reports having a dry mouth. Which action should the PN take

The practical nurse (PN) is feeding a 2-month-old male infant with heart failure due to a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Which intervention should the PN implement?

A client who is reaching saturation with medication reports the onset of muscle soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN is a priority?

The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF). What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

Prior to giving digoxin, the practical nurse (PN) assesses that a 2-month-old infant's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Based on this finding, what action should the PN take?

An older female adult who was admitted to a long-term care facility yesterday is confused about what day of the week it is. Her history does not indicate that she was confused prior to admission. What action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

The practical nurse (PN) is making a home visit to an older male adult who was recently diagnosed with Herpes zoster (shingles). The client reports the onset of severe burning pain along the right side of his trunk. What action should the PN take?