The nurse is admitting a patient who was diagnosed with acute renal failure. Which electrolyte should the nurse expect to be most affected with this disorder?
Phosphorous.
Magnesium.
Potassium.
Calcium.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While acute renal failure can affect phosphorus levels, potassium is the electrolyte most commonly affected in this condition. Kidneys play a crucial role in regulating potassium levels in the body, and when they fail, potassium levels can become dangerously elevated.
Choice B rationale:
Acute renal failure can lead to alterations in magnesium levels, but potassium is typically more affected. Magnesium imbalances may occur but are not the primary concern in this condition.
Choice C rationale:
As mentioned earlier, potassium imbalances are common in acute renal failure. The nurse should closely monitor the patient's potassium levels and be prepared to intervene if they become too high or too low.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium levels may also be affected in acute renal failure, but potassium remains the most critical electrolyte to monitor in this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B) Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a potassium-sparing diuretic is not appropriate for a client with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Potassium-sparing diuretics would further increase potassium levels, worsening the condition.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, which helps to lower serum potassium levels by excreting it through the stool.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating an IV potassium infusion would be contraindicated in this situation as it would increase the already elevated potassium levels, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac complications.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to eat bananas is not advisable because bananas are high in potassium, which would exacerbate hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
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