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 ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Driving restrictions are not typically necessary for clients on hemodialysis unless there are other underlying conditions affecting their ability to drive safely.
Choice B reason: Clients on hemodialysis need to restrict foods high in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus to manage their electrolyte levels and prevent complications.
Choice C reason: Airplane travel is not generally restricted for hemodialysis clients, but they may need to arrange for dialysis at their destination.
Choice D reason: Time constraints are a significant factor as hemodialysis requires several hours per session, multiple times a week.
Choice E reason: Fluid intake often needs to be restricted in clients on hemodialysis to prevent fluid overload, as the kidneys are not able to remove excess fluid effectively.
Choice F reason: Limiting social activities is not a necessary restriction unless it is related to the client's overall health status.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a condition where there is damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This is because the tubular cells are responsible for reabsorbing substances from the filtrate back into the blood. When these cells are injured, they cannot function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products and a decrease in GFR.
Choice B reason: While obstruction can lead to a decrease in GFR, it is not the primary cause in the context of acute tubular necrosis. Obstruction typically occurs in postrenal causes of acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: In?ammatory cells do invade damaged kidneys, but this is more characteristic of conditions such as acute interstitial nephritis rather than ATN. In ATN, the primary issue is the injury to the tubular cells themselves.
Choice D reason: A reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, or prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decrease in GFR. However, in the context of ATN, the primary issue is not the blood flow but the damage to the renal tubules.
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