A nurse is caring for a patient in acute renal failure who develops muscle weakness and an irregular heart rhythm. The provider prescribes an IV infusion of hypertonic glucose, regular insulin, and sodium bicarbonate. The nurse recognizes that these treatments are intended to manage which of the following complications?

Choice A reason: Hypocalcemia may occur in AKI due to impaired vitamin D activation, but it is not a primary concern in the diuresis phase, where kidneys produce large urine volumes. Calcium imbalances are less immediate than fluid losses, which can rapidly destabilize hemodynamics during this phase.

Choice B reason: In the diuresis phase of AKI, kidneys regain function, producing excessive urine, which can lead to hypovolemia. Fluid loss depletes intravascular volume, causing hypotension, tachycardia, and organ hypoperfusion. Monitoring is critical to prevent dehydration and ensure adequate fluid replacement to maintain hemodynamic stability during recovery.

Choice C reason: Increased blood pressure is more common in the oliguric phase of AKI due to fluid overload. In the diuresis phase, excessive urine output reduces volume, potentially lowering blood pressure. Hypertension is not a typical complication during this phase, making it an incorrect focus for monitoring.

Choice D reason: Hyperkalemia is a concern in the oliguric phase of AKI due to reduced potassium excretion. In the diuresis phase, increased urine output facilitates potassium clearance, reducing hyperkalemia risk. Hypovolemia from excessive fluid loss is a more immediate concern during this phase of AKI recovery.

Choice A reason: In ESRD, anuria means no urine output, so excess fluid accumulates in the body, increasing intravascular volume. This can cause hypertension, pulmonary edema, and respiratory distress. Educating the client about these risks emphasizes the importance of fluid restrictions to prevent life-threatening complications between dialysis sessions, addressing their frustration accurately.

Choice B reason: Advising increased fluid intake is incorrect for anuric ESRD patients, as their kidneys cannot excrete fluid. This would exacerbate fluid overload, leading to hypertension, heart failure, or pulmonary edema. Hydration is managed through dialysis, not increased oral intake, which could overwhelm the body’s limited fluid-handling capacity.

Choice C reason: Stating that fluid intake is unrestricted with dialysis is incorrect. Even with regular dialysis, excessive fluid intake between sessions can lead to overload, causing hypertension or pulmonary edema. Dialysis removes a limited amount of fluid per session, requiring strict restrictions to maintain safe fluid balance and prevent complications.

Choice D reason: While potassium and phosphorus restrictions are critical in ESRD to prevent hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, the client’s question focuses on fluid restrictions. This response does not address fluid overload risks like hypertension or pulmonary edema, which are direct consequences of excessive fluid intake in anuric patients, making it irrelevant to the query.