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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

A. The client who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today. B. The client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy. C. The client who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL. D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile.

Choice A rationale:

The client with end-stage renal failure scheduled for dialysis would not be at risk for fluid volume deficit because dialysis is a treatment that removes waste, salt, and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body, keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in the blood, and controlling blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Being NPO (nothing by mouth) since midnight for endoscopy typically involves a short period of fasting. While it could potentially contribute to a mild fluid volume deficit, it is not as significant as other causes like vomiting or diarrhea, which can lead to more substantial fluid losses.

Choice C rationale:

A client with left-sided heart failure and an elevated BNP level is more likely to experience fluid volume overload rather than a deficit. BNP is released in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload, which are indicative of heart failure, not fluid volume deficit.

Choice D rationale:

The client with gastroenteritis and a fever is at risk for fluid volume deficit due to increased fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever-induced perspiration. These symptoms align with the common risk factors for fluid volume deficit, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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