A nurse is monitoring a client who has acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
Elevated BUN
Hypercalcemia
Metabolic alkalosis
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: In acute kidney injury (AKI), the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is expected to be elevated due to the kidneys' impaired ability to excrete urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Normal BUN levels range from approximately 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Choice B reason: Hypercalcemia is not commonly associated with AKI. Instead, patients with AKI may experience hypocalcemia due to the kidneys' reduced ability to convert vitamin D to its active form, which is necessary for calcium absorption.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis is not a typical finding in AKI. More commonly, patients with AKI experience metabolic acidosis because the kidneys are unable to excrete acid effectively, leading to an accumulation of acid in the body.
Choice D reason: Hypokalemia is generally not expected in AKI. The condition is more often associated with hyperkalemia, as the impaired kidney function leads to a reduced excretion of potassium, which can accumulate to dangerous levels.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: pH 7.30 with elevated HCO3- and PaCO2 suggests compensated respiratory acidosis, not typical for chronic kidney disease.
Choice B reason: pH 7.55 with elevated HCO3- and low PaCO2 suggests metabolic alkalosis, which is not typical for chronic kidney disease.
Choice C reason: pH 7.25 with decreased HCO3- and PaCO2 suggests metabolic acidosis, which is expected in chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of acids.
Choice D reason: pH 7.50 with low HCO3- and PaCO2 suggests compensated metabolic alkalosis, which is not typical for chronic kidney disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate acute kidney injury.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 15 mg/dL is also within the normal range and does not suggest acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range and is not indicative of acute kidney injury.
Choice D reason: A serum creatinine level of 6 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates impaired kidney function, which is a hallmark of acute kidney injury.

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