A client is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis since the arteriovenous (AV) graft in the right arm is no longer available for use for hemodialysis. The client has lost weight, has increasing peripheral edema, and has a serum albumin level of 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L). Which intervention is the priority for the nurse to implement?
Serum Albumin Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL (35 to 55 g/L)
Recommend the use of support stockings to enhance venous return
Ensure the client receives frequent small meals containing complete proteins
Evaluate patency of the AV graft for resumption of hemodialysis
Instruct the client to continue to follow the prescribed rigid fluid restriction amounts
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Support stockings may help with peripheral edema, but they are not the priority intervention for this client. The client's low serum albumin level indicates malnutrition and increased risk of infection and poor wound healing.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because the client needs adequate protein intake to maintain serum albumin levels and prevent further complications. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and are found in animal sources such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Choice C reason: Evaluating patency of the AV graft is not the priority intervention for this client because the client is receiving peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis. The AV graft may be used in the future if peritoneal dialysis fails, but it is not an immediate concern.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to follow fluid restriction amounts is important for peritoneal dialysis patients, but it is not the priority intervention for this client. The client's low serum albumin level indicates that fluid restriction alone is not sufficient to manage fluid balance and prevent edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Observing insertion site is an essential assessment for a client who has a suprapubic catheter. The insertion site is located in the lower abdomen, where urine drains from an opening in the bladder through a catheter into a drainage bag. The nurse should inspect the site for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, or leakage. The nurse should also clean the site with soap and water and apply a sterile dressing as needed.
Choice B reason: Palpating flank area is not a relevant assessment for a client who has a suprapubic catheter. The flank area is located on the sides of the back, where the kidneys are located. Palpating the flank area can detect tenderness or pain that may indicate kidney infection or stones, but it does not provide information about the suprapubic catheter or its function.
Choice C reason: Measuring abdominal girth is not a relevant assessment for a client who has a suprapubic catheter. The abdominal girth is the circumference of the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus. Measuring abdominal girth can detect changes in fluid balance, ascites, or bowel obstruction, but it does not provide information about the suprapubic catheter or its function.
Choice D reason: Assessing perineal area is not a relevant assessment for a client who has a suprapubic catheter. The perineal area is located between the anus and the genitals. Assessing perineal area can detect signs of infection, irritation, or injury in the genital or anal regions, but it does not provide information about the suprapubic catheter or its function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because initiating a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription is essential to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the infant. The infant may have significant fluid loss due to vomiting and poor intake.
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