A patient admitted with acute kidney injury due to dehydration has oliguria, anemia, and hyperkalemia. Which prescribed action should the nurse take first?
Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
Insert a urinary retention catheter.
Give the prescribed spironolactone.
Administer epoetin alfa (Epogen).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
In the case of hyperkalemia, which can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, the most immediate nursing action is to place the patient on a cardiac monitor. This allows for continuous monitoring of the heart's rhythm and immediate detection of any life-threatening changes, which is crucial for timely intervention.
Choice B rationale
Inserting a urinary retention catheter may be necessary for managing oliguria, but it is not the most urgent action when compared to the potential cardiac risks associated with hyperkalemia.
Choice C rationale
Administering spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, could be part of the treatment for hyperkalemia, but it is not the first action to take. Spironolactone works more slowly and does not address the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D rationale
Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is used to treat anemia, particularly in chronic kidney disease, to increase red blood cell production. However, it does not have an immediate effect and is not the priority in the presence of hyperkalemia and potential cardiac complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Removing catheters as soon as they are no longer necessary can significantly reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)¹.
Choice B rationale
While it is important for clients to urinate when they feel the urge, this practice alone is not specifically targeted at reducing the rate of urinary tract infections.
Choice C rationale
Teaching proper perineal care, including wiping from front to back, can help prevent the spread of bacteria to the urethra and reduce the risk of UTIs¹.
Choice D rationale
Continuing prescribed antibiotics until the full course is completed, even if symptoms improve, is crucial to ensure all bacteria are eliminated and to prevent antibiotic resistance³.
Choice E rationale
Adequate fluid intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which can decrease the incidence of UTIs¹.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A high calcium diet and hypercalcemia are not directly associated with pyelonephritis. While dietary habits and blood calcium levels can impact overall health, they do not typically contribute to the development of pyelonephritis.
Choice B rationale
Long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to kidney damage, which may increase the risk of pyelonephritis, especially if there is pre-existing kidney impairment. However, it is not as directly related to pyelonephritis as a history of UTIs.
Choice C rationale
A history of UTIs is relevant to pyelonephritis, as the infection can ascend from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys. Recurrent UTIs are a risk factor for pyelonephritis, making this the most likely report from the client.
Choice D rationale
Genetic diseases can have various impacts on health, but there is no common genetic disease that directly causes pyelonephritis. This choice is less likely to be relevant to the client's current condition.
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