A nurse is providing a community education session about the risk factors for chronic renal failure. Which lifestyle factor should the nurse emphasize as a modifiable risk factor for kidney disease?

A. Correct. An increase in blood pressure readings can be an early indication of fluid retention in a client with chronic renal failure. Fluid overload can lead to hypertension as the kidneys struggle to excrete excess fluids.

B. Incorrect. Shortness of breath and crackles in the lungs are signs of fluid overload but are considered more advanced symptoms. These indicate that fluid has accumulated in the lungs, leading to pulmonary edema.

C. Incorrect. Decreased serum potassium levels (hypokalemiA. are not typically associated with fluid overload. Instead, chronic renal failure often leads to hyperkalemia due to impaired potassium excretion.

D. Incorrect. Rapid weight loss over a few days is not indicative of fluid retention; rather, it may suggest dehydration or inadequate caloric intake.

A. Incorrect. Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for chronic renal failure. While the risk of kidney disease may increase with age, it is not something that individuals can control or change.

B. Incorrect. Gender is also a non-modifiable risk factor, as both males and females can develop chronic renal failure. It does not impact an individual's ability to modify their risk.

C. Correct. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for chronic renal failure. Smoking can damage blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and an increased risk of kidney disease.

D. Incorrect. Family history of kidney disease is a non-modifiable risk factor. While individuals cannot change their family history, they can modify other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, to reduce their overall risk of kidney disease.