Chapter 68 - Care of Patients with Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease

When caring for a client with a left forearm arteriovenous fistula created for hemodialysis, which actions must the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) Check brachial pulses daily. Auscultate for a bruit every 8 hours. Correct Teach the client to palpate for a thrill over the site. Correct Elevate the arm above heart level. Ensure that no blood pressures are taken in that arm. Correct

A bruit or swishing sound, and a thrill or buzzing sensation upon palpation should be present in this client, indicating patency of the fistula. No blood pressure, venipuncture, or compression, such as lying on the fistula, should occur. Distal pulses and capillary refill should be checked, and for a forearm fistula, the radial pulse is checked—the brachial pulse is proximal. Elevating the arm increases venous return, possibly collapsing the fistula.

A client awaiting kidney transplantation states, "I can't stand this waiting for a kidney, I just want to give up." Which statement by the nurse is most therapeutic? "I'll talk to the health care provider and have your name removed from the waiting list." "You sound frustrated with the situation." Correct "You're right, the wait is endless for some people." "I'm sure you'll get a phone call soon that a kidney is available."

Acknowledging the client's frustration reflects the feelings the client is having and offers assistance and support. Talking to the health care provider and removing the client from the waiting list does not allow the nurse to hear more and perhaps offer therapeutic listening or a solution to the problem. Telling the client that the wait is endless for some people cuts the client off from sharing his or her concerns and accentuates the negative aspects of the situation. The waiting time for kidney matches is increasing due to a shortage of organs; the nurse should not offer false hope by suggesting that the client will get a phone call soon.

Which finding in the first 24 hours after kidney transplantation requires immediate intervention? Abrupt decrease in urine output Correct Blood-tinged urine Incisional pain Increase in urine output

An abrupt decrease in urine output may indicate complications such as rejection, acute kidney injury, thrombosis, or obstruction. Blood-tinged urine, incisional pain, and an increase in urine output are expected findings after kidney transplantation

Which clinical manifestation indicates the need for increased fluids in a client with kidney failure? Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Correct Increased creatinine level Pale-colored urine Decreased sodium level

An increase in BUN can be an indication of dehydration, and an increase in fluids is needed. Increased creatinine indicates kidney impairment. Urine that is pale in color is diluted; an increase in fluids is not necessary. Sodium is increased, not decreased, with dehydration.

Which medication is most effective in slowing the progression of kidney failure in a client with chronic kidney disease? Diltiazem (Cardizem) Lisinopril (Zestril) Correct Clonidine (Catapres) Doxazosin (Cardura)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as lisinopril appear to be the most effective drugs to slow the progression of kidney failure. Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem may indirectly prevent kidney disease by controlling hypertension, but are not specific to slowing progression of kidney disease. Vasodilators such as clonidine and doxazosin control blood pressure, but do not specifically protect from kidney disease.

A client is scheduled to undergo kidney transplant surgery. Which teaching point does the nurse include in the preoperative teaching session? "Your diseased kidneys will be removed at the same time the transplant is performed." "The new kidney will be placed directly below one of your old kidneys." "It is essential for you to wash your hands and avoid people who are ill." Correct "You will receive dialysis the day before surgery and for about a week after."

Anti-rejection medications increase the risks for infection, sepsis, and death. Strict aseptic technique and handwashing are essential. Unless severely infected, the client's kidneys are left in place and the graft is placed in the iliac fossa. Dialysis is performed the day before surgery; after the surgery, the new kidney should begin to make urine.

A client is being treated for kidney failure. Which statement by the nurse encourages the client to express his or her feelings and concerns about the risk for death and the disruption of lifestyle? "All of this is new. What can't you do?" "Are you afraid of dying?" "How are you doing this morning?" "What concerns do you have about your kidney disease?" Correct

Asking the client about any concerns is open-ended and specific to the client's concerns. Asking the client to explain what he or she can't do implies inadequacy on the client's part. Asking the client if he or she is afraid of dying is too direct and would likely cause the client to be anxious. Asking the client how he or she is doing is too general and does not encourage the client to share thoughts on a specific topic.

The nurse assists a client with acute kidney injury (AKI) to modify the diet in which ways? (Select all that apply.) Restricted protein Correct Liberal sodium Restricted fluids Correct Low potassium Correct Low fat

Breakdown of protein leads to azotemia and increased blood urea nitrogen. Fluid is restricted during the oliguric stage. Potassium intoxication may occur, so dietary potassium is also restricted. Sodium is restricted during AKI because oliguria causes fluid retention. Fats may be used for needed calories when proteins are restricted.

A client with a recently created vascular access for hemodialysis is being discharged. In planning discharge instructions, which information does the nurse include? Avoiding venipuncture and blood pressure measurements in the affected arm Correct Modifications to allow for complete rest of the affected arm How to assess for a bruit in the affected arm How to practice proper nutrition

Compression of vascular access causes decreased blood flow and may cause occlusion; if this occurs, dialysis will not be possible. The arm should be exercised to encourage venous dilation, not rested. The client can palpate for a thrill; a stethoscope is not needed to auscultate the bruit at home. The nurse should take every opportunity to discuss nutrition, even as it relates to wound healing, but loss of the graft or fistula by compression or occlusion must take priority because lifesaving dialysis cannot be performed.

The nurse wishes to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Which question by the nurse to the interdisciplinary health care team will result in reducing client exposure? "Should we filter air circulation?" "Can we use less radiographic contrast dye?" Correct "Should we add low-dose dobutamine?" "Should we decrease IV rates?"

Contrast dye is severely nephrotoxic, and other options can be used in its place. Air circulation and low-dose dopamine are not associated with nephrotoxicity. Pre-renal status results from decreased blood flow to the kidney, such as fluid loss or dehydration; IV fluids can correct this.

A client with acute kidney injury is receiving a fluid challenge of 500 mL of normal saline over 1 hour. With a drop factor of 20 drops/mL, how many drops per minute does the nurse infuse? _________

Correct Responses 167 drops/min 20 gtt × 500 mL = 10,000/60 min = 167 drops/min

A client with end-stage kidney disease has been put on fluid restrictions. Which assessment finding indicates that the client has not adhered to this restriction? Blood pressure of 118/78 mm Hg Weight loss of 3 pounds during hospitalization Dyspnea and anxiety at rest Correct Central venous pressure (CVP) of 6 mm Hg

Dyspnea is a sign of fluid overload and possible pulmonary edema; the nurse should assist the client in correlating symptoms of fluid overload with nonadherence to fluid restriction. Nonadherence to fluid restriction results in fluid volume excess and higher blood pressures; 118/78 mm Hg is a normal blood pressure. Excess fluid intake and fluid retention are manifested by an elevated CVP (>8 mm Hg) and weight gain, not weight loss.

Discharge teaching has been provided for a client recovering from kidney transplantation. Which information indicates that the client understands the instructions? "I can stop my medications when my kidney function returns to normal." "If my urine output is decreased, I should increase my fluids." "The anti-rejection medications will be taken for life." Correct "I will drink 8 ounces of water with my medications."

Immune-suppressant therapy must be taken for life to prevent organ rejection. Adherence to immunosuppressive drugs is crucial to survival for clients with transplanted kidneys. Lack of adherence can lead to complications such as rejection, graft loss, return to dialysis, and death. Oliguria is a symptom of transplant rejection; the transplant team should be contacted immediately if this occurs. It is not necessary to take anti-rejection medication with 8 ounces of water.

Which instruction by the nurse will help a client with chronic kidney disease prevent renal osteodystrophy? Consuming a low-calcium diet Avoiding peas, nuts, and legumes Correct Drinking cola beverages only once daily Increasing dairy products enriched with vitamin D

Kidney failure causes hyperphosphatemia; this client must restrict phosphorus-containing foods such as beans, peas, nuts (peanut butter), and legumes. Calcium should not be restricted; hyperphosphatemia results in a decrease in serum calcium and demineralization of the bone. Cola beverages and dairy products are high in phosphorus, contributing to hypocalcemia and bone breakdown.

Which problem excludes a client hoping to receive a kidney transplant from undergoing the procedure? History of hiatal hernia Presence of diabetes and glycosylated hemoglobin of 6.8% History of basal cell carcinoma on the nose 5 years ago Presence of tuberculosis Correct

Long-standing pulmonary disease and chronic infection typically exclude clients from transplantation; these conditions worsen with the immune suppressants that are required to prevent rejection. A client with a history of hiatal hernia is not exempt from undergoing a kidney transplant. Good control of diabetes is a positive point, and would not exclude the client from transplantation. Basal cell carcinoma is considered curable and occurred 5 years ago, consistent with appropriate candidates for transplantation.

The nurse teaches a client who is recovering from acute kidney disease to avoid which type of medication? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Correct Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Opiates Calcium channel blockers

NSAIDs may be nephrotoxic to a client with acute kidney disease, and should be avoided. ACE inhibitors are used for treatment of hypertension and to protect the kidneys, especially in the diabetic client, from progression of kidney disease. Opiates may be used by clients with kidney disease if severe pain is present; however, excretion may be delayed. Calcium channel blockers can improve the glomerular filtration rate and blood flow within the kidney.

While managing care for a client with chronic kidney disease, which actions does the registered nurse (RN) plan to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) Obtain the client's pre-hemodialysis weight. Correct Check the arteriovenous (AV) fistula for a thrill and bruit. Document the amount the client drinks throughout the shift. Correct Auscultate the client's lung sounds every 4 hours. Explain the components of a low-sodium diet.

Obtaining the client's weight and documenting oral fluid intake are routine tasks that can be performed by UAP. Assessment skills (checking the AV fistula and auscultating lung sounds) and client education (explaining special diet) require more education and are in the legal scope of practice of the RN.

When caring for a client who receives peritoneal dialysis (PD), which finding does the nurse report to the provider immediately? Pulse oximetry reading of 95% Sinus bradycardia, rate of 58 beats/min Blood pressure of 148/90 mm Hg Temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C) Correct

Peritonitis is the major complication of PD, caused by intra-abdominal catheter site contamination; meticulous aseptic technique must be used when caring for PD equipment. A pulse oximetry reading of 95% is a normal saturation. Although a heart rate of 58 beats/min is slightly bradycardic, the provider can be informed upon visiting the client. Clients with kidney failure tend to have slightly higher blood pressures due to fluid retention; this is not as serious as a fever.

To prevent pre-renal acute kidney injury, which person is encouraged to increase fluid consumption? Construction worker Correct Office secretary Schoolteacher Taxicab driver

Physical labor and working outdoors, especially in warm weather, cause diaphoresis and place the construction worker at risk for dehydration and pre-renal azotemia. The office secretary and schoolteacher work indoors and, even without air conditioning, will not lose as much fluid to diaphoresis as someone performing physical labor. The taxicab driver, even without air conditioning, will not experience diaphoresis and fluid loss like the construction worker.

Which signs and symptoms indicate rejection of a transplanted kidney? (Select all that apply.) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 21 mg/dL, creatinine 0.9 mg/dL Crackles in the lung fields Correct Temperature of 98.8° F (37.1° C) Blood pressure of 164/98 mm Hg Correct 3+ edema of the lower extremities Correct

Signs and symptoms of fluid retention (e.g., crackles in the lung fields and 3+ edema of the lower extremities) indicate transplant rejection. Increased blood pressure is also a symptom of transplant rejection. Increasing BUN and creatinine are symptoms of rejection; a BUN of 21 mg/dL and a creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL reflect normal values. Fever, not normothermia, is symptomatic of transplant rejection.

A client with chronic kidney disease reports chest pain. The nurse notes tachycardia and low-grade fever. Which additional assessment is warranted? Auscultate for pericardial friction rub. Correct Assess for crackles. Monitor for decreased peripheral pulses. Determine if the client is able to ambulate.

The client with uremia is prone to pericarditis; symptoms include inspiratory chest pain, low-grade fever, and ST-segment elevation. Crackles and tachycardia are symptomatic of fluid overload; fever is not present. Although the nurse will monitor pulses, and ambulation is important to prevent weakness and deep vein thrombosis, these are not pertinent to the constellation of symptoms of pericarditis that the client presents with.

The RN has just received change-of-shift report. Which of the assigned clients should be assessed first? Client with chronic kidney failure who was just admitted with shortness of breath Correct Client with kidney insufficiency who is scheduled to have an arteriovenous fistula inserted Client with azotemia whose blood urea nitrogen and creatinine are increasing Client receiving peritoneal dialysis who needs help changing the dialysate bag

The dyspnea of the client with chronic kidney failure may indicate pulmonary edema and should be assessed immediately. The client with kidney insufficiency is stable and assessment can be performed later. The client with azotemia requires assessment and possible interventions, but is not at immediate risk for life-threatening problems. The client receiving peritoneal dialysis can be seen last because it is a slow process and the client has no urgent needs.

A client is receiving immune-suppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. Which measure for infection control is most important for the nurse to implement? Adherence to therapy Handwashing Correct Monitoring for low-grade fever Strict clean technique

The most important infection control measure for the client receiving immune-suppressive therapy is handwashing. Adherence to therapy and monitoring for low-grade fever are important, but are not infection control measures. The nurse should practice aseptic technique for this client, not simply clean technique.

A client admitted to the medical unit with a history of vomiting and diarrhea and an increased blood urea nitrogen requires 1 liter of normal saline infused over 2 hours. Which staff member should be assigned to care for the client? RN who has floated from pediatrics for this shift LPN/LVN with experience working on the medical unit RN who usually works on the general surgical unit Correct New graduate RN who just finished a 6-week orientation

The nurse with experience in taking care of surgical clients will be most capable of monitoring the client receiving rapid fluid infusions, who is at risk for complications such as pulmonary edema and acute kidney failure. The pediatric float RN and the new graduate RN will have less experience in caring for this type of client. The LPN/LVN should not be assigned to a client requiring IV therapy and who is at high risk for complications.

Which clients are at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI)? (Select all that apply.) Football player in preseason practice Correct Client who underwent contrast dye radiology Correct Accident victim recovering from a severe hemorrhage Correct Accountant with diabetes Client in the intensive care unit on high doses of antibiotics Correct Client recovering from gastrointestinal influenza Correct

To prevent AKI, all people should be urged to avoid dehydration by drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids daily, especially during strenuous exercise or work associated with diaphoresis, or when recovering from an illness that reduces kidney blood flow, such as influenza. Contrast media may cause acute renal failure, especially in older clients with reduced kidney function. Recent surgery or trauma, transfusions, or other factors that might lead to reduced kidney blood flow may cause AKI. Certain antibiotics may cause nephrotoxicity. Diabetes may cause acute kidney failure superimposed on chronic kidney failure.

Which assessment finding represents a positive response to erythropoietin (Epogen, Procrit) therapy? Hematocrit of 26.7% Potassium within normal range Absence of spontaneous fractures Less fatigue Correct

Treatment of anemia with erythropoietin will result in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) and decreased shortness of breath and fatigue. A hematocrit value of 26.7% is low; erythropoietin should restore the hematocrit to at least 36% to be effective. Erythropoietin causes more red blood cells to be produced, increasing H&H, not potassium. Calcium supplements and phosphate binders prevent renal osteodystrophy; erythropoietin treats anemia.

Which factor represents a sign or symptom of digoxin toxicity? Serum digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL Polyphagia Visual changes Correct Serum potassium of 5.0 mEq/L

Visual changes, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are symptoms of digoxin toxicity. A digoxin level of 1.2 ng/mL is normal (0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL). Polyphagia is a symptom of diabetes. Although hypokalemia may predispose to digoxin toxicity, this represents a normal, not low, potassium value.

While assisting a client during peritoneal dialysis, the nurse observes the drainage stop after 200 mL of peritoneal effluent drains into the bag. What action should the nurse implement first? Instruct the client to deep-breathe and cough. Document the effluent as output. Turn the client to the opposite side. Correct Re-position the catheter.

With peritoneal dialysis, usually 1 to 2 L of dialysate is infused by gravity into the peritoneal space. The fluid dwells in the peritoneal cavity for a specified time, then drains by gravity into a drainage bag. The dialyzing fluid is called peritoneal effluent on outflow. The outflow should be a continuous stream after the clamp is completely open. Potential causes of flow difficulty include constipation, kinked or clamped connection tubing, the client's position, fibrin clot formation, and catheter displacement. If inflow or outflow drainage is inadequate, re-position the client to stimulate inflow or outflow. Turning the client to the other side or ensuring that he or she is in good body alignment may help. Instructing the client to deep-breathe and cough will not promote dialysate drainage. Increased abdominal pressure from coughing contributes to leakage at the catheter site. The nurse needs to measure and record the total amount of outflow after each exchange. However, the nurse should re-position the client first to assist with complete dialysate drainage. An x-ray is needed to identify peritoneal dialysis catheter placement. Only the physician re-positions a displaced catheter.

When assisting with dietary protein needs for a client on peritoneal dialysis, the nurse recommends that the client select which food? Eggs Correct Ham Eggplant Macaroni

Suggested protein-containing foods for a client on peritoneal dialysis are milk, meat, and eggs. Although a protein, ham is high in sodium, which should be avoided. Vegetables and pasta contain mostly carbohydrates. Peritoneal dialysis clients are allowed 1.2 to 1.5 g of protein/kg/day because protein is lost with each exchange.

When caring for a client with acute kidney injury and a temporary subclavian hemodialysis catheter, which assessment finding does the nurse report to the provider? Mild discomfort at the insertion site Temperature 100.8° F Correct 1+ ankle edema Anorexia

Infection is a major complication of temporary catheters. All symptoms of infection, including fever, must be reported to the provider because the catheter may have to be removed. Mild discomfort at the insertion site is expected with a subclavian hemodialysis catheter. During acute injury, oliguria with resulting fluid retention is expected. Rising blood urea nitrogen may result in anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.