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?
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Hypercalcemia
Hypophosphatemia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
In prerenal AKI, the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow. As a result, they cannot filter potassium out of the blood efficiently, leading to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This condition is dangerous because it can cause cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Choice B rationale
Hypernatremia, an elevated sodium level, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. It is more commonly related to dehydration or an excessive intake of sodium, which are not direct consequences of prerenal AKI.
Choice C rationale
Hypercalcemia, an elevated calcium level, is also not a common finding in prerenal AKI. It is usually associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy.
Choice D rationale
Hypophosphatemia, a low level of phosphate in the blood, is not a typical result of prerenal AKI. It can occur due to malnutrition or malabsorption, but it is not directly caused by prerenal AKI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An increasing hemoglobin level does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Hemoglobin levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including hydration status and blood loss, but are not directly related to the resolution of pancreatitis.
Choice B reason:A decreasing serum amylase level is indicative of the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates and is released in large amounts when the pancreas is inflamed. As the inflammation resolves, amylase levels decrease.
Choice C reason: A falling serum bilirubin level may indicate improvement in liver function but is not a specific indicator of the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Bilirubin levels can be affected by conditions other than pancreatitis, such as bile duct obstruction or liver disease.
Choice D reason:An increasing serum alkaline phosphatase level is generally associated with bile duct obstruction or bone disease and does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. This enzyme is found in several tissues throughout the body, including the liver and bones.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An increasing hemoglobin level does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. Hemoglobin levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including hydration status and blood loss, but are not directly related to the resolution of pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
During an episode of acute pancreatitis, serum concentrations of amylase and lipase rise significantly, often within hours of pancreatic injury. These elevated enzyme levels are key components in diagnosing the condition. As the inflammation subsides and the pancreas begins to heal, the levels of these enzymes typically decrease, returning to normal ranges. Therefore, a declining serum amylase level suggests that the acute inflammatory process is resolving.
Choice C rationale
Serum bilirubin levels are indicative of liver function and bile metabolism. Elevated bilirubin may occur if pancreatitis leads to bile duct obstruction or liver involvement. However, a decrease in bilirubin levels addresses biliary system recovery rather than directly reflecting pancreatic inflammation resolution.
Choice D rationale
An increasing serum alkaline phosphatase level is generally associated with bile duct obstruction or bone disease and does not indicate the resolution of acute pancreatitis. This enzyme is found in several tissues throughout the body, including the liver and bones.
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