The nurse is caring for a group of patients on the telemetry unit. Which patient should the nurse see first?

A. Polycythemia (an abnormally high red blood cell count) is not typically a primary concern in dialysis patients; instead, they are more often monitored for anemia.
B. Dialysis patients often need to restrict fluid intake to prevent fluid overload, which can exacerbate edema and cause additional cardiovascular strain.
C. Daily weight monitoring is crucial for dialysis patients to track fluid balance and detect any sudden changes that might indicate fluid retention or loss.
D. Frequent oral care is important to prevent infections, particularly because dialysis patients are at increased risk due to their compromised immune systems and possible fluid restrictions, which can lead to dry mouth and other oral health issues.
E. Dialysis patients may need a modified protein intake, depending on their specific needs and the type of dialysis (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis). Protein needs can vary, so it is essential to follow the specific dietary recommendations provided by a healthcare provider.
F. Avoiding nephrotoxic substances (e.g., certain medications, contrast dyes) is critical to protect the remaining kidney function and prevent further damage.
G. A low-sodium diet helps manage blood pressure and fluid balance, reducing the risk of fluid retention and hypertension in dialysis patients.

H. Monitoring urine output is important to assess kidney function and fluid balance.

Even though dialysis takes over some kidney functions, any remaining urine output can provide valuable information about the patient's residual kidney function.

A. While controlling carbohydrate intake may be beneficial for managing blood glucose levels in some cases, it is not a primary dietary concern for chronic kidney disease.
B. Patients with chronic kidney disease often need to limit potassium intake because the kidneys may have difficulty excreting excess potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.
C. While protein restriction may be necessary in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease to reduce the workload on the kidneys, complete elimination of protein is not recommended.
D. Sodium restriction is often recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease to help control blood pressure and fluid balance.