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?
Hypernatremia
Hypophosphatemia
Hypercalcemia
Hyperkalemia
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia, which is an abnormally high level of sodium in the blood, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. Prerenal AKI is often related to hypovolemia, which can lead to hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, is not a common finding in prerenal AKI. Phosphate levels are more often affected in intrinsic renal diseases or refeeding syndrome.
Choice C reason: Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, is not commonly seen in prerenal AKI. It is more frequently associated with malignancies or hyperparathyroidism.
Choice D reason: Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, is a common electrolyte imbalance in prerenal AKI. This occurs due to decreased renal perfusion and the kidney's reduced ability to excrete potassium.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate acute kidney injury.
Choice B reason: A BUN level of 15 mg/dL is also within the normal range and does not suggest acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range and is not indicative of acute kidney injury.
Choice D reason: A serum creatinine level of 6 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates impaired kidney function, which is a hallmark of acute kidney injury.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Specific gravity is typically increased in clients who have hypovolemia, not decreased, due to the concentration of urine as the body atempts to conserve water.
Choice B reason: Creatinine levels are indeed increased in clients who have acute kidney injury, reffecting decreased kidney function and filtration.
Choice C reason: Potassium levels are not necessarily increased in clients who have polyuria. Polyuria can be associated with a variety of conditions and does not directly indicate high potassium levels.
Choice D reason: BUN, or blood urea nitrogen, is typically increased in clients who have dehydration, not decreased, due to the concentration of blood solutes as the body conserves water.
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