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: Decreasing the IV fluid infusion rate and limiting oral fluid intake may not be appropriate without further assessment, as the client's BUN level is elevated, which could indicate dehydration or renal impairment. The normal range for BUN is typically 7-20 mg/dL.
Choice B reason: Collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity may be necessary if there is a suspicion of infection, but there is no indication of infection based solely on the provided lab values.
Choice C reason: Evaluating urine for amount and specific gravity can help assess the client's hydration status and kidney function, which is pertinent given the elevated BUN level and ongoing nausea and vomiting.
Choice D reason: Continuing routine care may not be appropriate because the BUN level is above the normal range, indicating that further assessment and intervention may be necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Renal failure is typically associated with abnormal creatinine and BUN levels, which are not
indicated in the given lab values.
Choice B reason: A low-protein diet is not directly indicated by the lab values provided and does not typically result in
collapse after exertion.
Choice C reason: Dehydration is consistent with the client's history of collapsing after playing football on a hot day
and is supported by the elevated sodium level.
Choice D reason: SIADH usually presents with low sodium levels due to dilution, which is not the case here.
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