Which assessment finding of a patient with chronic kidney disease indicates to the nurse that hemodialysis is having the desired effect?
Decreased hematocrit and diuresis
Decreased serum creatinine and weight loss
Increased potassium level and improved appetite
Decreased white blood cell count and diaphoresis
The Correct Answer is B
Hemodialysis is a treatment used to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood in individuals with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease. The primary purpose of hemodialysis is to filter and clear the blood of waste products that the kidneys can no longer remove adequately. As a result, one of the key indicators that hemodialysis is having the desired effect is a decrease in serum creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product that builds up in the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. A decrease in serum creatinine indicates that the dialysis treatment is effectively removing waste products from the blood.
Weight loss is also a positive sign after hemodialysis since it indicates that excess fluid is being removed from the body. In individuals with kidney failure, the kidneys cannot adequately remove extra fluid, leading to fluid retention and weight gain. Hemodialysis helps to eliminate this excess fluid, leading to weight loss and reducing the risk of fluid overload-related complications.
The other options listed (decreased hematocrit and diuresis, increased potassium level and improved appetite, and decreased white blood cell count and diaphoresis) are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of hemodialysis in removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged or unable to filter blood effectively over time, leading to a gradual loss of kidney function. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing CKD, and among them, diabetes and hypertension are the most common.
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing CKD. It can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood properly. Native Americans, along with other racial and ethnic minorities, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to the general population.
While hypertension (high blood pressure) is also a risk factor for CKD, diabetes carries a higher risk. However, it's important to note that hypertension is often a comorbidity associated with CKD and can further worsen kidney function when present.
The other options listed (a 50-year-old white female with hypertension, a 40-year-old Hispanic female with cardiovascular disease, and a 28-year-old African American female with a urinary tract infection) are also at risk for CKD, but the 61-year-old Native American male with diabetes is at the highest risk based on the information provided. All patients should be educated about preventive measures to protect their kidney health, but special attention should be given to individuals with diabetes due to its significant impact on kidney function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a critical finding and should be reported rapidly to the health care provider. It is a hallmark ECG change seen in myocardial infarction (heart attack). When there is myocardial ischemia or injury (such as in a heart attack), the ST segment
elevates above the baseline in the affected leads of the ECG. This elevation indicates that there is an ongoing loss of oxygen and blood supply to a part of the heart muscle.
ST-segment elevation is a medical emergency because it suggests acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which can rapidly progress to a myocardial infarction if not promptly treated. Immediate intervention is needed to restore blood flow to the affected coronary artery and prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
The other options listed (A) First-degree atrioventricular block, (B) Inverted P wave, and (C) Sinus tachycardia, while significant in some situations, do not have the same urgency as ST-segment elevation in the context of chest pain. They may require medical attention, but they do not typically indicate an acute myocardial infarction or an immediate life-threatening condition. ST-segment elevation is a critical finding that requires rapid intervention to preserve heart muscle function and prevent complications.
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