A nurse is assessing the skin turgor of an older adult client. In which of the following areas should the nurse lift the skin?

Rationale:

A. "Using this machine increases my risk of overdose.": PCA pumps are designed with safety features, including dose limits and lockout intervals, which reduce the risk of overdose. Understanding this helps the client recognize that PCA is a safe method for self-administered pain control when used correctly.

B. “I can get pain medication any time as long as I press the button”: The client can only receive medication according to the programmed dose and lockout interval. Pressing the button repeatedly will not override the safety mechanism, so this reflects a misunderstanding of how PCA pumps function.

C. "My partner can press my pain medication button for me if I am sleeping": PCA pumps are intended for self-administration only. Allowing someone else to press the button (a practice called “PCA by proxy”) can cause overdose and is unsafe, especially if the client is sleeping or sedated.

D. "I will receive a limited amount of pain medication when I press the button.": PCA pumps deliver a preset dose with a lockout interval to prevent overdose. This statement shows the client understands the safety mechanisms in place, indicating correct comprehension of PCA use.

Rationale:

A. Oliguria: Clients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) often experience oliguria or significantly reduced urine output due to severe loss of nephron function. This contributes to fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and accumulation of waste products in the body.

B. Hypotension: ESKD more commonly leads to hypertension rather than hypotension because of fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Hypotension may occur only during dialysis or with certain medications but is not an expected finding in untreated ESKD.

C. Edema: Fluid retention caused by decreased glomerular filtration and impaired renal excretion leads to peripheral and sometimes generalized edema. Edema is a classic sign of ESKD and indicates compromised fluid balance.

D. Anemia: Impaired kidney function reduces erythropoietin production, leading to decreased red blood cell synthesis and resultant anemia. Clients often require erythropoiesis-stimulating agents or supplemental iron to manage this complication.

E. Bradypnea: Respiratory rate is not typically decreased in ESKD. If present, bradypnea would suggest a separate neurologic or respiratory issue rather than a direct effect of kidney failure. Clients may develop Kussmaul respirations if metabolic acidosis is severe, but bradypnea is not expected.