A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome. The nurse should recognize that which of the following client statements can be expected?
I can expect to have swelling in my face.
I lose protein in my urine.
I should increase my sodium intake.
I should expect my provider to prescribe a kidney biopsy.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes, is a common symptom of nephrotic syndrome. This condition causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine, leading to a decrease in blood protein levels. This imbalance causes fluid to accumulate in tissues, resulting in swelling (edema), especially in areas like the face and ankles.
Choice B reason:
Losing protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome. The condition damages the glomeruli in the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and retaining essential proteins. When these filters are damaged, proteins like albumin leak into the urine, leading to significant protein loss.
Choice C reason:
Increasing sodium intake is not recommended for clients with nephrotic syndrome. In fact, a low-sodium diet is often advised to help manage symptoms such as swelling and high blood pressure. Excess sodium can exacerbate fluid retention and worsen edema.
Choice D reason:
A kidney biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure for nephrotic syndrome. It involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue to examine under a microscope. This helps determine the underlying cause of the syndrome and guides treatment decisions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Transporting a school-age client who is in traction to another department is unsafe for a volunteer. Traction involves the use of weights and pulleys to align or immobilize a part of the body, typically after a fracture. This requires careful handling and monitoring to ensure the traction remains effective and does not cause additional injury. Only trained healthcare professionals should manage and transport clients in traction to prevent complications.
Choice B reason: Reading a book to a preschool client who has AIDS is a safe and appropriate assignment for a volunteer. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is not transmitted through casual contact such as reading a book together. Volunteers can provide emotional support and companionship to children with AIDS without risk of transmission.
Choice C reason: Playing a computer video game with an adolescent who has sickle cell disease is also a safe and suitable activity for a volunteer. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, leading to various complications. However, it is not contagious, and engaging in recreational activities can help improve the adolescent’s quality of life and provide a sense of normalcy.
Choice D reason: Rocking an infant who was admitted for croup is a safe task for a volunteer. Croup is a respiratory condition characterized by a barking cough, often caused by a viral infection. While it can be contagious, the risk of transmission can be minimized with proper hygiene practices. Volunteers can provide comfort and soothing to infants with croup under the supervision of healthcare staff.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
The correct answer is: The nurse has reviewed the client’s medical record. The client is at risk for developing
Hypotension and Metabolic Acidosis
Choice A: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. The normal range for potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. In this case, the client’s potassium level is 5.0 mEq/L, which is at the upper limit of normal. While the client is not currently hyperkalemic, they are at risk due to their condition. However, hyperkalemia is not the most immediate concern based on the provided data. The client’s symptoms and diagnostic results point more directly to other conditions.
Choice B: Hypertension
Hypertension is high blood pressure. The client’s blood pressure is 96/68 mm Hg, which is below the normal range (typically around 120/80 mm Hg). This indicates hypotension rather than hypertension. Given the client’s history of hypertension, the current low blood pressure is concerning and suggests a different issue, such as dehydration or fluid loss from diarrhea.
Choice C: Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a condition where potassium levels are below normal. The client’s potassium level is 5.0 mEq/L, which is within the normal range. Therefore, hypokalemia is not a concern in this scenario. The client’s potassium level does not indicate a risk for hypokalemia, and their symptoms do not align with this condition.
Choice D: Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood. The normal range for sodium is 136 to 145 mEq/L. The client’s sodium level is 149 mEq/L, which is above the normal range, indicating hypernatremia. This condition can result from dehydration, which is consistent with the client’s symptoms of diarrhea and poor skin turgor. However, while hypernatremia is a concern, it is not the most critical issue compared to hypotension and metabolic acidosis.
Choice E: Hypotension
Hypotension is low blood pressure. The client’s blood pressure is 96/68 mm Hg, which is below the normal range. This low blood pressure, combined with symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and poor skin turgor, suggests significant fluid loss and dehydration. Hypotension is a critical concern as it can lead to inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues, potentially causing further complications.
Choice F: Renal Failure
Renal failure refers to the kidneys’ inability to filter waste from the blood effectively. While the client’s urine output is low (30 mL/hr), which could indicate renal impairment, there is no direct evidence from the provided data to confirm renal failure. The client’s basic metabolic profile does not show elevated creatinine or BUN levels, which are typical indicators of renal function.
Choice G: Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is a condition where there is too much acid in the body fluids. The normal range for blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45. The client’s pH is 7.33, which is below the normal range, indicating acidosis. Additionally, the bicarbonate (HCO3) level is 19 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 21 to 28 mEq/L. These findings confirm metabolic acidosis, likely due to the loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea.
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