A student nurse is reviewing clinical manifestations of chronic kidney disease. Which of the following findings are consistent with this diagnosis? (Select all that apply)

Choice A: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is not typically associated with CKD. In fact, patients with advanced CKD are more likely to experience hyperkalemia, which is an elevated potassium level, due to the kidneys’ decreased ability to excrete potassium. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L.

Choice B: Anemia is a common finding in CKD and is due to the kidneys’ reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. The normal range for hemoglobin in adults is 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter for men and 12.1 to 15.1 grams per deciliter for women.

Choice C: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is both a cause and a complication of CKD. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, and as their function declines, hypertension becomes more common. The normal range for blood pressure is typically considered to be 120/80 mmHg.

Choice D: Crackles in the lungs Crackles in the lungs are not a direct manifestation of CKD, but they can occur if the condition leads to fluid overload and heart failure, resulting in pulmonary edema. This is a secondary complication rather than a direct symptom of CKD.

Choice E: Lethargy and a general feeling of malaise are common in CKD due to the buildup of toxins and waste products in the blood that the kidneys can no longer effectively filter out. This can also lead to decreased mental sharpness and a reduced quality of life.

Choice F: Proteinuria, or the presence of excess protein in the urine, is a hallmark sign of CKD. It indicates damage to the kidneys’ filtering units, allowing protein that would normally be retained to leak into the urine. Persistent proteinuria is a sign of chronic kidney damage.