Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

Choice C reason: serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are electrolytes that can be affected by ESRD. ESRD is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This can cause electrolyte imbalances that can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, bone disorders, or metabolic acidosis. The nurse should closely monitor these electrolytes and report any abnormal values.

Choice A reason: blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are vital signs that are not specific to ESRD. Vital signs can be influenced by many factors and may not reflect the severity of kidney damage. The nurse should monitor vital signs regularly, but not as closely as electrolytes.

Choice B reason: leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are not laboratory results that are directly related to ESRD. Leukocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that are involved in immune response and inflammation. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. These laboratory results may be altered by other conditions or medications, but not by ESRD.

Choice D reason: erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that measure the red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. These laboratory results may be decreased in ESRD due to anemia, which is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. However, anemia is not as life-threatening as electrolyte imbalances and can be treated with erythropoietin injections or iron supplements.

Choice A reason: Increasing oral fluids may help with hydration, but it will not reduce skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Flushing occurs due to increased blood flow to the skin.

Choice B reason: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces chest pain caused by angina. It is not indicated for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Moreover, nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure further and cause hypotension, headache, dizziness, and fainting.

Choice C reason: Going to an emergency department is not necessary for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Flushing is not a sign of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which would require immediate medical attention. Flushing is also not a symptom of a heart attack or stroke, which would present with other signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm numbness, or slurred speech.

Choice D reason: Reassuring the client that facial flushing is a common side effect of lisinopril is the best action for the nurse to take. Flushing is not harmful or dangerous, and it usually subsides within a few hours. The nurse should explain the mechanism of action of lisinopril and its benefits for lowering blood pressure and preventing angina. The nurse should also advise the client to monitor his blood pressure regularly and report any signs of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.