A nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results from a client who has prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse expect?

 

Choice A reason: A strong odor in the first-voided urine can be normal, especially if it's concentrated after a night's sleep.

Choice B reason: An output of 175 mL in 8 hours is concerning, as it indicates oliguria, which is a urine output of less than 400 mL in 24 hours, and can be a sign of worsening renal function.

Choice C reason: An output of 2,200 mL in 24 hours is within normal urine output ranges, which is typically 800 to 2,000 mL per day for an average adult.

Choice D reason: Urine becoming cloudy after sitting for a period is common due to precipitation of salts and proteins at lower temperatures.

Choice A reason: The serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood and provides information about kidney function. Normal ranges for serum creatinine levels are 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for adult men and 0.59 to

1.04 mg/dL for adult women. This test is a common way to assess renal function and can indicate if the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively.

Choice B reason: While a serum creatinine test can indicate severe renal impairment, it does not diagnose a specific disease. Further testing would be required to determine the presence of a particular renal disease.

Choice C reason: The serum creatinine test does not directly show if medications are affecting kidney function. However, if a patient is on medications known to affect the kidneys, such as certain steroids, changes in creatinine levels can suggest an impact on renal function.

Choice D reason: It is part of the nurse's role to provide information about tests and procedures. Telling a patient to ask the doctor does not offer immediate support or information, which can be important for patient care and understanding.