The nurse is caring for an acutely ill client. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to inform the healthcare provider that the client may be exhibiting signs of acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Choice A reason: Restraining and forcibly administering medication violates patient autonomy and ethical principles, potentially escalating agitation in psychosis. It risks physical harm and legal issues, as forced medication requires specific legal orders (e.g., involuntary commitment). Non-invasive approaches like negotiation or assessing refusal reasons are safer and more ethical.

Choice B reason: Stating that refusal prevents improvement is coercive and undermines autonomy. It fails to explore reasons for refusal, such as side effect concerns or psychosis-related mistrust, which are common in severe psychosis. This approach may damage trust and hinder therapeutic alliance, making it inappropriate as an initial action.

Choice C reason: Accepting the client’s refusal respects autonomy while prioritizing safety, critical in psychosis where agitation is common. This allows exploration of refusal reasons (e.g., paranoia) and alternative interventions, maintaining a therapeutic environment. Monitoring ensures no immediate harm, making this the most ethical and safe initial response.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a discharge order for nonadherence is premature and inappropriate, as refusal does not warrant immediate discharge. Psychosis requires ongoing assessment and management, and discharge could exacerbate symptoms or risk harm, making this action contrary to the goal of stabilizing the client’s mental health.

Choice A reason: Antihypertensives are routinely used in ESRD to manage hypertension caused by fluid overload and renin-angiotensin system dysregulation. Controlling blood pressure prevents cardiovascular complications like heart failure or stroke, which are common in ESRD due to chronic volume and pressure overload, making this medication appropriate.

Choice B reason: ADH is not used in ESRD, as it promotes water reabsorption, worsening fluid overload in anuric patients. ESRD patients rely on dialysis for fluid balance, and ADH could exacerbate hypertension or pulmonary edema. Its use is more relevant in conditions like diabetes insipidus, not renal failure.

Choice C reason: Erythrocyte-stimulating agents, like erythropoietin, are standard in ESRD to treat anemia caused by reduced erythropoietin production by failing kidneys. These agents stimulate red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery and reducing fatigue, making them essential for managing ESRD-related anemia and improving quality of life.

Choice D reason: Phosphate binders are used in ESRD to manage hyperphosphatemia by binding dietary phosphate in the gut, preventing its absorption. This reduces the risk of vascular calcification and secondary hyperparathyroidism, common complications in ESRD due to impaired phosphate excretion, making these medications a standard part of therapy.