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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The nurse is not providing surgical site or wound care by documenting urination.
Choice B reason: Managing postoperative pain is not directly related to monitoring the client's ability to urinate.
Choice C reason: Assisting with early ambulation does not pertain to the urinary function directly.
Choice D reason: Monitoring urinary function is part of postoperative care, especially after removal of a Foley catheter, to ensure the client is able to void normally.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Aluminum hydroxide does not primarily lower serum calcium levels. Calcium levels are typically managed in CKD patients through other medications and dietary restrictions, as hypercalcemia can occur in these patients.
Choice B reason: Aluminum hydroxide acts as a phosphate binder, which helps to lower serum phosphorus levels in patients with CKD. This is important because high phosphorus levels can lead to bone and heart problems in these patients. The normal range for serum phosphorus is approximately 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.
Choice C reason: Aluminum hydroxide does not have a significant effect on serum potassium levels. In CKD, potassium levels are managed through diet and other medications due to the risk of hyperkalemia, which can be life- threatening.
Choice D reason: While magaldrate contains magnesium, which could potentially worsen hypermagnesemia in CKD patients, aluminum hydroxide does not lower serum magnesium levels. Instead, it is less likely to cause elevated magnesium levels compared to magaldrate.
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