A nurse assesses a confused older adult. The nurse experiences sadness and reflects, “The patient is like one of my grandparents… so helpless.” What feelings does the nurse describe?

Choice A reason: In the oliguric phase of AKI, kidney function is severely impaired, reducing potassium excretion. This leads to hyperkalemia, which disrupts cardiac electrical activity, potentially causing life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Elevated potassium levels are a hallmark of this phase due to decreased glomerular filtration rate and impaired tubular secretion.

Choice B reason: Urine output of 2000 mL in 24 hours indicates polyuria, characteristic of the recovery phase of AKI, not the oliguric phase, where output is typically less than 400 mL/day. High urine output suggests restored renal function, which is not expected in the oliguric phase, where kidneys fail to filter adequately.

Choice C reason: Tachycardia may occur in AKI due to fluid overload causing increased cardiac workload or electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia affecting heart rhythm. However, it is a secondary symptom and less specific than hyperkalemia, which directly results from impaired renal excretion and poses a more immediate risk to cardiac function.

Choice D reason: Tenting of the skin indicates dehydration, which may precede AKI but is not typical in the oliguric phase, where fluid retention is more common due to reduced urine output. Fluid overload leads to edema, not dehydration, making skin tenting an unlikely finding in this phase of AKI.

Choice A reason: Informing the client about potential nurse reprimands is coercive and inappropriate, as it prioritizes the nurse’s interests over patient autonomy. This approach fails to explore the client’s reasons for refusal, which may involve side effects or mistrust, and does not support therapeutic communication or ethical care.

Choice B reason: Documenting refusal is necessary but not the first action. Exploring the reason for refusal allows the nurse to address concerns, potentially resolving issues like misunderstanding or side effects. Documentation follows after attempts to understand and educate, ensuring a therapeutic approach before recording the refusal.

Choice C reason: Asking the reason for refusal respects autonomy and initiates therapeutic communication. It identifies barriers like side effect fears or lack of understanding, enabling education or alternative solutions. This approach aligns with patient-centered care, addressing underlying issues to promote adherence while respecting the client’s rights.

Choice D reason: Stating that refusal is not permitted is coercive and violates autonomy. Clients have the right to refuse medication unless under involuntary treatment orders. This approach damages trust, escalates resistance, and contradicts ethical principles, making it an inappropriate initial response to medication refusal.