A nurse has been assigned to an internal disaster drill team and is triaging clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse classify with a green tag?

Choice A reason: Anuria, minimal or no urine output, is expected in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) due to nephron loss, reducing glomerular filtration rate. This causes fluid and toxin buildup, requiring dialysis to manage fluid balance and prevent complications like uremia in ESKD clients.
Choice B reason: Edema results from impaired sodium and water excretion in ESKD, causing fluid overload. Reduced filtration leads to volume retention, manifesting as peripheral or pulmonary edema, increasing cardiovascular strain and necessitating diuretics or dialysis to control fluid status effectively.
Choice C reason: Hyperkalemia occurs in ESKD, as failing kidneys cannot excrete potassium, elevating serum levels. This risks cardiac arrhythmias due to disrupted membrane potentials. Dietary restrictions or dialysis are needed to manage potassium, preventing life-threatening complications in end-stage renal failure.
Choice D reason: Hypocalcemia in ESKD stems from impaired vitamin D activation and phosphate retention, binding calcium. This disrupts bone mineralization and neuromuscular function, causing tetany or fractures. Calcium supplementation and dialysis correct this imbalance, addressing renal failure’s metabolic consequences.
Choice E reason: Metabolic acidosis in ESKD results from impaired hydrogen ion excretion and bicarbonate reabsorption. This lowers blood pH, causing fatigue and bone demineralization. Dialysis or bicarbonate therapy corrects acid-base imbalances, addressing the kidneys’ failure to maintain homeostasis in end-stage disease.

Choice A reason: Asking for more information about the surgery indicates the client seeks clarification but does not confirm understanding of informed consent. Informed consent requires comprehension of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, with agreement to proceed. This statement reflects curiosity, not confirmation of understanding, making it insufficient to demonstrate informed consent.
Choice B reason: Planning to ask the doctor about the surgery in the operating room suggests the client has not yet received or understood the necessary information. Informed consent must be obtained before entering the operating room, with full comprehension of risks and benefits. This statement indicates a lack of prior understanding, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Stating understanding of the risks, benefits, and agreement to the procedure demonstrates informed consent. This reflects that the client has been educated about the knee arthroplasty, including potential complications like infection or blood clots, and alternatives, and voluntarily agrees to proceed. This meets legal and ethical standards, indicating full comprehension and consent.
Choice D reason: Having family sign the consent form is inappropriate unless the client lacks decision-making capacity, which is not indicated. Informed consent requires the competent client’s understanding and agreement. This statement suggests reliance on others, not personal comprehension of the procedure’s risks and benefits, making it an incorrect indicator of understanding.