Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
Serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus
Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine
Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are laboratory results that should be closely monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is a chronic condition that causes irreversible loss of kidney function and accumulation of waste products and fluids in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates nerve and muscle function and cardiac rhythm. ESRD can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to reduced excretion by the kidneys. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Calcium and phosphorus are minerals that maintain bone health and acid-base balance. ESRD can cause hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) due to impaired vitamin D metabolism and hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels) due to reduced excretion by the kidneys. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle cramps, tetany, or seizures. Hyperphosphatemia can cause soft tissue calcification, bone pain, or fractures.
Choice B reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that are not as critical as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes. ESRD can cause anemia (low erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels) due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation, by the kidneys. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath.
Choice C reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are laboratory results that are not as relevant as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Leukocytes are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are a type of leukocyte that respond to bacterial infection. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can cause leukopenia (low leukocyte levels) and neutropenia (low neutrophil levels) due to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. ESRD can also cause hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels) due to reduced clearance of thyroid hormones by the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, or depression.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are not laboratory results, but vital signs that should be monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Temperature is the measure of body heat. ESRD can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) due to fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypertension can cause headache, chest pain, or stroke. ESRD can also cause tachycardia (high heart rate) due to anemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, dizziness, or heart failure. ESRD can also cause fever (high temperature) due to infection or inflammation. Fever can cause chills, sweating, or delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because ineffective coping related to denial is a likely problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Denial is a defense mechanism that helps people avoid facing unpleasant or threatening realities, such as having a heart attack and needing hospitalization and treatment. The nurse should assess the client's coping skills and provide emotional support and education.
Choice B reason: Emotional conflict due to stress is not a specific problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Emotional conflict is a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone, such as family, work, or self. Stress is a response to any physical, psychological, or environmental demand that exceeds one's coping resources. The nurse should assess the client's sources of stress and conflict and help him manage them.
Choice C reason: Deficient knowledge of MI lifestyle changes is not a primary problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Deficient knowledge is a state of lacking information or understanding about something, such as disease process, treatment options, or self-care measures. Lifestyle changes are modifications in one's habits or behaviors that promote health and well-being, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, or stress management. The nurse should assess the client's learning needs and readiness and provide appropriate education.
Choice D reason: Anxiety related to treatment plan is not an evident problem for a client who had an MI 24 hours ago and wants to go home despite his condition. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, worry, or fear that interferes with one's normal functioning or well-being. Treatment plan is a set of goals, interventions, and outcomes that guide the care of a client with a specific health problem, such as MI. The nurse should assess the client's level of anxiety and provide information and reassurance about his treatment plan.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining to the client that the dosage has been changed is not a safe action because it may not be true. The nurse should not assume that the prescribed dosage is correct or different from the previous one without verifying it with the healthcare provider or the medication record.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because withholding the medication until the dosage can be confirmed is a prudent action that ensures patient safety and avoids medication errors. The nurse should compare the prescribed dosage with the client's previous dosage and consult with the healthcare provider or the pharmacist if there is any discrepancy or doubt.
Choice C reason: Informing him that he may refuse the medication and documenting whether or not he takes it is not a responsible action because it does not address the issue of dosage discrepancy. The nurse should respect the client's right to refuse medication, but should also educate him about the benefits and risks of taking or not taking it. The nurse should also try to resolve any barriers or concerns that may affect the client's adherence to medication.
Choice D reason: Telling him to take the medication then verifying the dosage at the next healthcare team meeting is not a timely action because it may cause harm or complications to the client. The nurse should not administer any medication without checking its accuracy and appropriateness for the client. The nurse should also report and document any medication incidents as soon as possible.
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