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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pruritus, or severe itching, is a common symptom in patients with ESRD due to the build-up of waste products in the body.
Choice B reason: Slurred speech is not typically associated with ESRD. It may be a symptom of other neurological conditions or could be related to medications or treatments.
Choice C reason: Hypotension can be an expected finding in ESRD due to the fluid shifts and changes in blood volume
that occur during dialysis treatment.
Choice D reason: Bone pain is a known complication of ESRD, often resulting from the mineral and bone disorders that are part of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).
Choice E reason: Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, may occur in ESRD as a result of metabolic changes affecting the respiratory system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While a heart atack is a serious condition, it is not directly related to peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to systemic infection, which may indirectly affect the heart, but it is not the primary concern in the immediate care of peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, it is not the most immediate threat when a client is diagnosed with peritonitis. The nurse should continue to monitor blood glucose levels as part of routine care.
Choice C reason: Respiratory failure can be a complication of peritonitis if the infection spreads and affects other systems. However, the primary concern with peritonitis is the potential for the infection to lead to sepsis.
Choice D reason: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur as a complication of peritonitis. It happens when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Monitoring for signs of sepsis is crucial because early intervention can be lifesaving.

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