Medsurg GU
After teaching a client with a history of renal calculi, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. I should drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day. b. I will eliminate all dairy or sources of calcium from my diet. c. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products can lead to stones. d. The doctor can give me antibiotics at the first sign of a stone.
ANS: A Dehydration contributes to the precipitation of minerals to form a stone. Although increased intake of calcium causes hypercalcemia and leads to excessive calcium filtered into the urine, if the client is well hydrated the calcium will be excreted without issues. Dehydration increases the risk for supersaturation of calcium in the urine, which contributes to stone formation. The nurse should encourage the client to drink more fluids, not decrease calcium intake. Ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing products does not cause a stone. Antibiotics neither prevent nor treat a stone.
A nurse cares for adult clients who experience urge incontinence. For which client should the nurse plan a habit training program? a. A 78-year-old female who is confused b. A 65-year-old male with diabetes mellitus c. A 52-year-old female with kidney failure d. A 47-year-old male with arthritis
ANS: A For a bladder training program to succeed in a client with urge incontinence, the client must be alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate. Habit training will work best for a confused client. This includes going to the bathroom (or being assisted to the bathroom) at set times. The other clients may benefit from another typeof bladder training.
A client in the intensive care unit is started on continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Which finding is the cause of immediate action by the nurse? a. Blood pressure of 76/58 mm Hg b. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L c. Potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L d. Pulse rate of 90 beats/min
ANS: A Hypotension can be a problem with CVVH if replacement fluid does not provide enough volume to maintain blood pressure. The specially trained nurse needs to monitor for ongoing fluid and electrolyte replacement. The sodium level is normal and the potassium level is slightly elevated, which could be normal findings for someone with acute kidney injury. A pulse rate of 90 beats/min is normal.
After teaching a client who has stress incontinence, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. I will limit my total intake of fluids. b. I must avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. c. I must avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. d. I shall try to lose about 10% of my body weight.
ANS: A Limiting fluids concentrates urine and can irritate tissues, leading to increased incontinence. Many people try to manage incontinence by limiting fluids. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are bladder stimulants. Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, causing incontinence.
A nurse teaches a young female client who is prescribed amoxicillin (Amoxil) for a urinary tract infection. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Use a second form of birth control while on this medication. b. You will experience increased menstrual bleeding while on this drug. c. You may experience an irregular heartbeat while on this drug. d. Watch for blood in your urine while taking this medication.
ANS: A The client should use a second form of birth control because penicillin seems to reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-containing contraceptives. She should not experience increased menstrual bleeding, an irregular heartbeat, or blood in her urine while taking the medication.
A male client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is refusing to take his medication and has missed two hemodialysis appointments. What is the best initial action for the nurse? a. Discuss what the treatment regimen means to him. b. Refer the client to a mental health nurse practitioner. c. Reschedule the appointments to another date and time. d. Discuss the option of peritoneal dialysis.
ANS: A The initial action for the nurse is to assess anxiety, coping styles, and the client's acceptance of the required treatment for CKD. The client may be in denial of the diagnosis. While rescheduling hemodialysis appointments may help, and referral to a mental health practitioner and the possibility of peritoneal dialysis are all viable options, assessment of the client's acceptance of the treatment should come first.
A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL/day. What is the best action by the nurse? a. Place the client on a cardiac monitor immediately. b. Teach the client to limit high-potassium foods. c. Continue to monitor the client's intake and output. d. Ask to have the laboratory redraw the blood specimen.
ANS: A The priority action by the nurse should be to check the cardiac status with a monitor. High potassium levels can lead to dysrhythmias. The other choices are logical nursing interventions for acute kidney injury but not the best immediate action.
A male client comes into the emergency department with a serum creatinine of 2.2 mg/dL and a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 24 mL/dL. What question should the nurse ask first when taking this client's history? a. "Have you been taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen recently?" b. "Do you have anyone in your family with renal failure?" c. "Have you had a diet that is low in protein recently?" d. "Has a relative had a kidney transplant lately?"
ANS: A There are some medications that are nephrotoxic, such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. This would be a good question to initially ask the client since both the serum creatinine and BUN are elevated, indicating some renal problems. A family history of renal failure and kidney transplantation would not be part of the questioning and could cause anxiety in the client. A diet high in protein could be a factor in an increased BUN.
A nurse assesses a client who presents with renal calculi. Which question should the nurse ask? a. Do any of your family members have this problem? b. Do you drink any cranberry juice? c. Do you urinate after sexual intercourse? d. Do you experience burning with urination?
ANS: A There is a strong association between family history and stone formation and recurrence. Nephrolithiasis is associated with many genetic variations; therefore, the nurse should ask whether other family members have also had renal stones.
A marathon runner comes into the clinic and states "I have not urinated very much in the last few days." The nurse notes a heart rate of 110 beats/min and a blood pressure of 86/58 mm Hg. Which action by the nurse is the priority? a. Give the client a bottle of water immediately. b. Start an intravenous line for fluids. c. Teach the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily. d. Perform an electrocardiogram.
ANS: A This athlete is mildly dehydrated as evidenced by the higher heart rate and lower blood pressure. The nurse can start hydrating the client with a bottle of water first, followed by teaching the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water each day. An intravenous line may be ordered later, after the client's degree of dehydration is assessed. An electrocardiogram is not necessary at this time.
A nurse teaches a client about self-care after experiencing a urinary calculus treated by lithotripsy. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Finish the prescribed antibiotic even if you are feeling better. b. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid each day. c. The bruising on your back may take several weeks to resolve. d. Report any blood present in your urine. e. It is normal to experience pain and difficulty urinating.
ANS: A, B, C The client should be taught to finish the prescribed antibiotic to ensure that he or she does not get a urinary tract infection. The client should drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily to dilute potential stone-forming crystals, prevent dehydration, and promote urine flow. After lithotripsy, the client should expect bruising that may take several weeks to resolve. The client should also experience blood in the urine for several days. The client should report any pain, fever, chills, or difficulty with urination to the provider as these may signal the beginning of an infection or the formation of another stone.
The nurse is caring for five clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which clients would the nurse consider to be at risk for post-renal acute kidney injury (AKI)? (Select all that apply.) a. Man with prostate cancer b. Woman with blood clots in the urinary tract c. Client with ureterolithiasis d. Firefighter with severe burns e. Young woman with lupus
ANS: A, B, C Urine flow obstruction, such as prostate cancer, blood clots in the urinary tract, and kidney stones (ureterolithiasis), causes post-renal AKI. Severe burns would be a pre-renal cause. Lupus would be an intrarenal cause for AKI.
A client is undergoing hemodialysis. The client's blood pressure at the beginning of the procedure was 136/88 mm Hg, and now it is 110/54 mm Hg. What actions should the nurse perform to maintain blood pressure? (Select all that apply.) a. Adjust the rate of extracorporeal blood flow. b. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position. c. Stop the hemodialysis treatment. d. Administer a 250-mL bolus of normal saline. e. Contact the health care provider for orders.
ANS: A, B, D Hypotension occurs often during hemodialysis treatments as a result of vasodilation from the warmed dialysate. Modest decreases in blood pressure, as is the case with this client, can be maintained with rate adjustment, Trendelenburg positioning, and a fluid bolus. If the blood pressure drops considerably after two boluses and cooling dialysate, the hemodialysis can be stopped and the health care provider contacted.
A client is unsure of the decision to undergo peritoneal dialysis (PD) and wishes to discuss the advantages of this treatment with the nurse. Which statements by the nurse are accurate regarding PD? (Select all that apply.) a. "You will not need vascular access to perform PD." b. "There is less restriction of protein and fluids." c. "You will have no risk for infection with PD." d. "You have flexible scheduling for the exchanges." e. "It takes less time than hemodialysis treatments."
ANS: A, B, D PD is based on exchanges of waste, fluid, and electrolytes in the peritoneal cavity. There is no need for vascular access. Protein is lost in the exchange, which allows for more protein and fluid in the diet. There is flexibility in the time for exchanges, but the treatment takes a longer period of time compared to hemodialysis. There still is risk for infection with PD, especially peritonitis.
A nurse cares for clients with urinary incontinence. Which types of incontinence are correctly paired with their clinical manifestation? (Select all that apply.) a. Stress incontinence Urine loss with physical exertion b. Urge incontinence Large amount of urine with each occurrence c. Functional incontinence Urine loss results from abnormal detrusor contractions d. Overflow incontinence Constant dribbling of urine. e. Reflex incontinence Leakage of urine without lower urinary tract disorder
ANS: A, B, D Stress incontinence is a loss of urine with physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Urge incontinence presents with an abrupt and strong urge to void and usually has a large amount of urine released with each occurrence. Overflow incontinence occurs with bladder distention and results in a constant dribbling of urine. Functional incontinence is the leakage of urine caused by factors other than a disorder of the lower urinary tract. Reflex incontinence results from abnormal detrusor contractions from a neurologic abnormality.
A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of bacterial cystitis? a. A 36-year-old female who has never been pregnant b. A 42-year-old male who is prescribed cyclophosphamide c. A 58-year-old female who is not taking estrogen replacement d. A 77-year-old male with mild congestive heart failure
ANS: C Females at any age are more susceptible to cystitis than men because of the shorter urethra in women. Postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy are at increased risk for bacterial cystitis because of changes in the cells of the urethra and vagina. The middle-aged woman who has never been pregnant would not have a risk potential as high as the older woman who is not using hormone replacement therapy.
The nurse is teaching a client how to increase the flow of dialysate into the peritoneal cavity during dialysis. Which statement by the client demonstrates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I should leave the drainage bag above the level of my abdomen." b. "I could flush the tubing with normal saline if the flow stops." c. "I should take a stool softener every morning to avoid constipation." d. "My diet should have low fiber in it to prevent any irritation."
ANS: C Inflow and outflow problems of the dialysate are best controlled by preventing constipation. A daily stool softener is the best option for the client. The drainage bag should be below the level of the abdomen. Flushing the tubing will not help with the flow. A diet high in fiber will also help with a constipation problem.
A nurse provides phone triage to a pregnant client. The client states, I am experiencing a burning pain when I urinate. How should the nurse respond? a. This means labor will start soon. Prepare to go to the hospital. b. You probably have a urinary tract infection. Drink more cranberry juice. c. Make an appointment with your provider to have your infection treated. d. Your pelvic wall is weakening. Pelvic muscle exercises should help.
ANS: C Pregnant clients with a urinary tract infection require prompt and aggressive treatment because cystitis can lead to acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy. The nurse should encourage the client to make an appointment and have the infection treated. Burning pain when urinating does not indicate the start of labor or weakening of pelvic muscles.
The charge nurse of the medical-surgical unit is making staff assignments. Which staff member should be assigned to a client with chronic kidney disease who is exhibiting a low-grade fever and a pericardial friction rub? a. Registered nurse who just floated from the surgical unit b. Registered nurse who just floated from the dialysis unit c. Registered nurse who was assigned the same client yesterday d. Licensed practical nurse with 5 years' experience on this floor
ANS: C The client is exhibiting symptoms of pericarditis, which can occur with chronic kidney disease. Continuity of care is important to assess subtle differences in clients. Therefore, the registered nurse (RN) who was assigned to this client previously should again give care to this client. The float nurses would not be as knowledgeable about the unit and its clients. The licensed practical nurse may not have the education level of the RN to assess for pericarditis.
A nurse reviews these laboratory values of a client who returned from kidney transplantation 12 hours ago: Sodium 136 mEq/L Potassium 5 mEq/L Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 44 mg/dL Serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL What initial intervention would the nurse anticipate? a. Start hemodialysis immediately. b. Discuss the need for peritoneal dialysis. c. Increase the dose of immunosuppression. d. Return the client to surgery for exploration.
ANS: C The client may need a higher dose of immunosuppressive medication as evidenced by the elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels. This increased dose may reverse the possible acute rejection of the transplanted kidney. The client does not need hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or further surgery at this point.
A nurse cares for a client with urinary incontinence. The client states, I am so embarrassed. My bladder leaks like a young child's bladder. How should the nurse respond? a. I understand how you feel. I would be mortified. b. Incontinence pads will minimize leaks in public. c. I can teach you strategies to help control your incontinence. d. More women experience incontinence than you might think.
ANS: C The nurse should accept and acknowledge the clients concerns, and assist the client to learn techniques that will allow control of urinary incontinence. The nurse should not diminish the clients concerns with the use of pads or stating statistics about the occurrence of incontinence.
A nurse teaches a client with a history of calcium phosphate urinary stones. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients dietary teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Limit your intake of food high in animal protein. b. Read food labels to help minimize your sodium intake. c. Avoid spinach, black tea, and rhubarb. d. Drink white wine or beer instead of red wine. e. Reduce your intake of milk and other dairy products.
ANS: A, B, E Clients with calcium phosphate urinary stones should be taught to limit the intake of foods high in animal protein, sodium, and calcium. Clients with calcium oxalate stones should avoid spinach, black tea, and rhubarb. Clients with uric acid stones should avoid red wine.
A nurse teaches a female client who has stress incontinence. Which statements should the nurse include about pelvic muscle exercises? (Select all that apply.) a. When you start and stop your urine stream, you are using your pelvic muscles. b. Tighten your pelvic muscles for a slow count of 10 and then relax for a slow count of 10. c. Pelvic muscle exercises should only be performed sitting upright with your feet on the floor. d. After you have been doing these exercises for a couple days, your control of urine will improve. e. Like any other muscle in your body, you can make your pelvic muscles stronger by contracting them.
ANS: A, B, E The client should be taught that the muscles used to start and stop urination are pelvic muscles, and that pelvic muscles can be strengthened by contracting and relaxing them. The client should tighten pelvic muscles for a slow count of 10 and then relax the muscles for a slow count of 10, and perform this exercise 15 times while inlying-down, sitting-up, and standing positions. The client should begin to notice improvement in control of urine after several weeks of exercising the pelvic muscles.
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a dose of cefazolin and vitamins at this time. Hemodialysis for this client is also scheduled in 60 minutes. Which action by the nurse is best? a. Administer cefazolin since the level of the antibiotic must be maintained. b. Hold the vitamins but administer the cefazolin. c. Hold the cefazolin but administer the vitamins. d. Hold all medications since both cefazolin and vitamins are dialyzable.
ANS: D Both the cefazolin and the vitamins should be held until after the hemodialysis is completed because they would otherwise be removed by the dialysis process.
A nurse teaches a client with functional urinary incontinence. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. You must clean around your catheter daily with soap and water. b. Wash the vaginal weights with a 10% bleach solution after each use. c. Operations to repair your bladder are available, and you can consider these. d. Buy slacks with elastic waistbands that are easy to pull down.
ANS: D Functional urinary incontinence occurs as the result of problems not related to the clients bladder, such as trouble ambulating or difficulty accessing the toilet. One goal is that the client will be able to manage his or her clothing independently. Elastic waistband slacks that are easy to pull down can help the client get on the toilet in time to void. The other instructions do not relate to functional urinary incontinence.
A nurse plans care for a client with overflow incontinence. Which intervention should the nurse include in this clients plan of care to assist with elimination? a. Stroke the medial aspect of the thigh. b. Use intermittent catheterization. c. Provide digital anal stimulation. d. Use the Valsalva maneuver.
ANS: D In clients with overflow incontinence, the voiding reflex arc is not intact. Mechanical pressure, such as that achieved through the Valsalva maneuver (holding the breath and bearing down as if to defecate), can initiate voiding. Stroking the medial aspect of the thigh or providing digital anal stimulation requires the reflex arc to be intact to initiate elimination. Due to the high risk for infection, intermittent catheterization should only be implemented when other interventions are not successful.
A client is hospitalized in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is receiving tube feedings. The nurse is teaching the client's spouse about the kidney-specific formulation for the enteral solution compared to standard formulas. What components should be discussed in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Lower sodium b. Higher calcium c. Lower potassium d. Higher phosphorus e. Higher calories
ANS: A, C, E Many clients with AKI are too ill to meet caloric goals and require tube feedings with kidney-specific formulas that are lower in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and higher in calories than are standard formulas.
A nurse is caring for a postoperative 70-kg client who had major blood loss during surgery. Which findings by the nurse should prompt immediate action to prevent acute kidney injury? (Select all that apply.) a. Urine output of 100 mL in 4 hours b. Urine output of 500 mL in 12 hours c. Large amount of sediment in the urine d. Amber, odorless urine e. Blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg
ANS: A, C, E The low urine output, sediment, and blood pressure should be reported to the provider. Postoperatively, the nurse should measure intake and output, check the characteristics of the urine, and report sediment, hematuria, and urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour for 3 to 4 hours. A urine output of 100 mL is low, but a urine output of 500 mL in 12 hours should be within normal limits. Perfusion to the kidneys is compromised with low blood pressure. The amber odorless urine is normal.
A nurse reviews the laboratory findings of a client with a urinary tract infection. The laboratory report notes a shift to the left in a clients white blood cell count. Which action should the nurse take? a. Request that the laboratory perform a differential analysis on the white blood cells. b. Notify the provider and start an intravenous line for parenteral antibiotics. c. Collaborate with the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to strain the clients urine for renal calculi. d. Assess the client for a potential allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock.
ANS: B An increase in band cells creates a shift to the left. A left shift most commonly occurs with urosepsis and is seen rarely with uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The nurse will be administering antibiotics, most likely via IV, so he or she should notify the provider and prepare to give the antibiotics. The shift to the left is part of a differential white blood cell count. The nurse would not need to strain urine for stones. Allergic reactions are associated with elevated eosinophil cells, not band cells.
A client is having a peritoneal dialysis treatment. The nurse notes an opaque color to the effluent. What is the priority action by the nurse? a. Warm the dialysate solution in a microwave before instillation. b. Take a sample of the effluent and send to the laboratory. c. Flush the tubing with normal saline to maintain patency of the catheter. d. Check the peritoneal catheter for kinking and curling.
ANS: B An opaque or cloudy effluent is the first sign of peritonitis. A sample of the effluent would need to be sent to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity in order to administer the correct antibiotic. Warming the dialysate in a microwave and flushing the tubing are not safe actions by the nurse. Checking the catheter for obstruction is a viable option but will not treat the peritonitis.
A client is recovering from a kidney transplant. The client's urine output was 1500 mL over the last 12-hour period since transplantation. What is the priority assessment by the nurse? a. Checking skin turgor b. Taking blood pressure c. Assessing lung sounds d. Weighing the client
ANS: B By taking blood pressure, the nurse is assessing for hypotension that could compromise perfusion to the new kidney. The nurse then should notify the provider immediately. Skin turgor, lung sounds, and weight could give information about the fluid status of the client, but they are not the priority assessment.
A nurse plans care for clients with urinary incontinence. Which client is correctly paired with the appropriate intervention? a. A 29-year-old client after a difficult vaginal delivery -- Habit training b. A 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy -- Electrical stimulation c. A 64-year-old female with Alzheimers-type senile dementia -- Bladder training d. A 77-year-old female who has difficulty ambulating -- Exercise therapy
ANS: B Exercise therapy and electrical stimulation are used for clients with stress incontinence related to childbirth or low levels of estrogen after menopause. Exercise therapy increases pelvic wall strength; it does not improve ambulation. Physical therapy and a bedside commode would be appropriate interventions for the client who has difficulty ambulating. Habit training is the type of bladder training that will be most effective with cognitively impaired clients. Bladder training can be used only with a client who is alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate.
A nurse plans care for clients with urinary incontinence. Which client is correctly paired with the appropriate intervention? a. A 29-year-old client after a difficult vaginal delivery habit training b. A 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy Electrical stimulation c. A 64-year-old female with Alzheimers-type senile dementia Bladder training d. A 77-year-old female who has difficulty ambulating Exercise therapy
ANS: B Exercise therapy and electrical stimulation are used for clients with stress incontinence related to childbirth or low levels of estrogen after menopause. Exercise therapy increases pelvic wall strength; it does not improve ambulation. Physical therapy and a bedside commode would be appropriate interventions for the client who has difficulty ambulating. Habit training is the type of bladder training that will be most effective with cognitively impaired clients. Bladder training can be used only with a client who is alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate.
After delegating care to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for a client who is prescribed habit training to manage incontinence, a nurse evaluates the UAPs understanding. Which action indicates the UAP needs additional teaching? a. Toileting the client after breakfast b. Changing the clients incontinence brief when wet c. Encouraging the client to drink fluids d. Recording the clients incontinence episodes
ANS: B Habit training is undermined by the use of absorbent incontinence briefs or pads. The nurse should re-educate the UAP on the technique of habit training. The UAP should continue to toilet the client after meals, encourage the client to drink fluids, and record incontinent episodes.
The nurse is caring for four clients with chronic kidney disease. Which client should the nurse assess first upon initial rounding? a. Woman with a blood pressure of 158/90 mm Hg b. Client with Kussmaul respirations c. Man with skin itching from head to toe d. Client with halitosis and stomatitis
ANS: B Kussmaul respirations indicate a worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The client is increasing the rate and depth of breathing to excrete carbon dioxide through the lungs. Hypertension is common in most clients with CKD, and skin itching increases with calcium-phosphate imbalances, another common finding in CKD. Uremia from CKD causes ammonia to be formed, resulting in the common findings of halitosis and stomatitis.
The nurse is caring for a dialysis client with a very poor appetite. What action does the nurse take? 1. Administer total parenteral nutrition as prescribed. 2. Provide 40 g/day of prescribed protein in the diet. 3. Allow fluid intake equal to urine output plus 200 mL. 4. Allow dietary potassium intake up to 90 mEq.
1. Administer total parenteral nutrition as prescribed. The client on dialysis with a very poor appetite is administered total parenteral nutrition as prescribed. This provides the client with sufficient nutrition to preserve lean body mass and maintain fluid balance. The client on dialysis is prescribed 1 to 1.5 g/kg of protein in the diet whereas 40 g/day of protein is prescribed for the client without dialysis. Generally, the client is allowed fluid intake equal to urine output plus 500 mL. The client's diet should include potassium intake up to 60 to 70 mEq.
A nurse cares for a postmenopausal client who has had two episodes of bacterial urethritis in the last 6 months. The client asks, I never have urinary tract infections. Why is this happening now? How should the nurse respond? a. Your immune system becomes less effective as you age. b. Low estrogen levels can make the tissue more susceptible to infection. c. You should be more careful with your personal hygiene in this area. d. It is likely that you have an untreated sexually transmitted disease.
ANS: B Low estrogen levels decrease moisture and secretions in the perineal area and cause other tissue changes, predisposing it to the development of infection. Urethritis is most common in postmenopausal women for this reason. Although immune function does decrease with aging and sexually transmitted diseases are a known cause of urethritis, the most likely reason in this client is low estrogen levels. Personal hygiene usually does not contribute to this disease process.
The nurse is assessing a client with a diagnosis of pre-renal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which condition would the nurse expect to find in the client's recent history? a. Pyelonephritis b. Myocardial infarction c. Bladder cancer d. Kidney stones
ANS: B Pre-renal causes of AKI are related to a decrease in perfusion, such as with a myocardial infarction. Pyelonephritis is an intrinsic or intrarenal cause of AKI related to kidney damage. Bladder cancer and kidney stones are post-renal causes of AKI related to urine flow obstruction.
An emergency department nurse assesses a client with a history of urinary incontinence who presents with extreme dry mouth, constipation, and an inability to void. Which question should the nurse ask first? a. Are you drinking plenty of water? b. What medications are you taking? c. Have you tried laxatives or enemas? d. Has this type of thing ever happened before?
ANS: B Some types of incontinence are treated with anticholinergic medications such as propantheline (Pro-Banthine).Anticholinergic side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. The nurse needs to assess the clients medication list to determine whether the client is taking an anticholinergic medication. If he or she is taking anticholinergics, the nurse should further assess the clients manifestations to determine if they are related to a simple side effect or an overdose. The other questions are not as helpful to understanding the current situation.
What are the main causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)? Select all that apply. 1. Diabetes mellitus 2. Genetic kidney disease 3. Hypertension 4. Tuberculosis 5. Pyelonephritis
1. Diabetes mellitus 3. Hypertension According to the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), diabetes mellitus and hypertension are two of the main causes of ESKD. Genetic kidney disease and infections such as tuberculosis and pyelonephritis are other causes of ESKD, but they are not the main causes.
A client is prescribed trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra) for urinary tract infection (UTI). What does the nurse instruct the client about this therapy? Select all that apply. 1. Disclose any allergies to sulfa drugs before beginning therapy. 2. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when out in the sun. 3. Monitor the pulse twice daily while taking this drug. 4. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of the drug. 5. Avoid taking the drug within 2 hours of taking an antacid.
1. Disclose any allergies to sulfa drugs before beginning therapy. 2. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when out in the sun. 4. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of the drug. The nurse should ensure that the client does not have any allergies to sulfa drugs before beginning therapy, since allergies to sulfa drugs are common and may require changing the drug therapy. The client should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when out in the sun because sulfamethoxazole increases sensitivity to the sun and can lead to severe sunburns. The client must consume a full glass of water with each dose because the drug can form crystals that precipitate in the kidney tubules; drinking at least 3 L of fluids daily prevents this complication. The client taking fluoroquinolone is asked to monitor the pulse twice daily as this class of drugs induces serious cardiac dysrhythmias. Fluoroquinolone must not be taken within 2 hours of taking an antacid; antacids containing magnesium or aluminum interfere with drug absorption.
The nurse is teaching a group of older adult women about the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Which concepts does the nurse explain in the presentation? Select all that apply. 1. Dysuria 2. Enuresis 3. Frequency 4. Nocturia 5. Urgency 6. Polyuria
1. Dysuria 3. Frequency 4. Nocturia 5. Urgency Dysuria (painful urination), nocturia (frequent urinating at night), urgency (having the urge to urinate quickly), and frequency are symptoms of UTI. Enuresis (bed-wetting) and polyuria (increased amounts of urine production) are not signs of a UTI.
Which clients are at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI)? Select all that apply. 1. Football player in preseason practice 2. Client who underwent contrast dye radiology 3. Accident victim recovering from a severe hemorrhage 4. Accountant with diabetes 5. Client in the intensive care unit on high doses of antibiotics 6. Client recovering from gastrointestinal influenza
1. Football player in preseason practice 2. Client who underwent contrast dye radiology 3. Accident victim recovering from a severe hemorrhage 5. Client in the intensive care unit on high doses of antibiotics 6. Client recovering from gastrointestinal influenza To prevent acute kidney injury (AKI), all people should be urged to avoid dehydration by drinking at least 2-3 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 (ARF), 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.
What nonsurgical methods does the nurse teach the client to manage stress incontinence? Select all that apply. 1. Reduce excess body weight. 2. Walk to strengthen pelvic muscles. 3. Perform Kegel exercises. 4. Use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. 5. Practice vaginal cone therapy.
1. Reduce excess body weight. 3. Perform Kegel exercises. 5. Practice vaginal cone therapy. The client with stress incontinence should reduce excess weight because increased abdominal pressure aggravates stress incontinence. Kegel exercise therapy strengthens the muscles of the pelvic floor, and weighted vaginal cones are used to strengthen pelvic muscles and decrease stress incontinence. Walking is a good exercise; however, it does not help to increase pelvic strength. The client must avoid foods that irritate the bladder such as artificial sweeteners, alcohol, nicotine, citrus, and caffeine.
What clinical findings does the nurse attribute to the presence of kidney stones? Select all that apply. 1. Smoky urine 2. Odorless urine 3. Increased serum calcium 4. Increased serum phosphate 5. Urine pH of 6
1. Smoky urine 3. Increased serum calcium 4. Increased serum phosphate Smoky or rusty urine is common in clients with kidney stones, indicating hematuria. Increases in serum calcium and phosphate levels indicate that excess minerals are present and may contribute to stone formation. The urine generally has an odor, indicating infection. Normal urine is alkaline, with a pH between 5 and 6. If urine contains uric acid or cystine stones, it is highly acidic. If urine contains calcium phosphate and struvite stones, it is alkaline.
What method of emptying the bladder is helpful for a client with a large cystocele? 1. Splinting 2. Credé method 3. Double-voiding 4. Valsalva maneuver
1. Splinting The client with a large cystocele or prolapse of the bladder into the vagina may use splinting to reduce renal urinary incontinence. This is achieved by inserting fingers into the vagina and lifting the cystocele to urinate. The client using the Credé method presses over the bladder area to increase pressure. The client may also trigger nerve stimulation by tugging at the pubic hair or massaging the genital area. In the double-voiding technique, the client empties the bladder once and then attempts a second voiding within a few minutes. The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that increases chest and abdominal pressure. Increased pressure is directed toward the bladder during exhalation.
A nurse teaches a client who is starting urinary bladder training. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Use the toilet when you first feel the urge, rather than at specific intervals. b. Try to consciously hold your urine until the scheduled toileting time. c. Initially try to use the toilet at least every half hour for the first 24 hours. d. The toileting interval can be increased once you have been continent for a week.
ANS: B The client should try to hold the urine consciously until the next scheduled toileting time. Toileting should occur at specific intervals during the training. The toileting interval should be no less than every hour. The interval can be increased once the client becomes comfortable with the interval.
A nurse assesses a male client who is recovering from a urologic procedure. Which assessment finding indicates an obstruction of urine flow? a. Severe pain b. Overflow incontinence c. Hypotension d. Blood-tinged urine
ANS: B The most common manifestation of urethral stricture after a urologic procedure is obstruction of urine flow.This rarely causes pain and has no impact on blood pressure. The client may experience overflow incontinence with the involuntary loss of urine when the bladder is distended. Blood in the urine is not a manifestation of the obstruction of urine flow.
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi. The nurse notes an ecchymotic area on the clients right lower back. Which action should the nurse take? a. Administer fresh-frozen plasma. b. Apply an ice pack to the site. c. Place the client in the prone position. d. Obtain serum coagulation test results.
ANS: B The shock waves from lithotripsy can cause bleeding into the tissues through which the waves pass. Application of ice can reduce the extent and discomfort of the bruising. Although coagulation test results and fresh-frozen plasma are used to assess and treat bleeding disorders, ecchymosis after this procedure is not unusual and does not warrant a higher level of intervention. Changing the clients position will not decrease bleeding.
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal calculi.The nurse notes an ecchymotic area on the clients right lower back. Which action should the nurse take? a. Administer fresh-frozen plasma. b. Apply an ice pack to the site. c. Place the client in the prone position. d. Obtain serum coagulation test results.
ANS: B The shock waves from lithotripsy can cause bleeding into the tissues through which the waves pass.Application of ice can reduce the extent and discomfort of the bruising. Although coagulation test results and fresh-frozen plasma are used to assess and treat bleeding disorders, ecchymosis after this procedure is not unusual and does not warrant a higher level of intervention. Changing the clients position will not decrease bleeding.
A client is admitted with acute kidney injury (AKI) and a urine output of 2000 mL/day. What is the major concern of the nurse regarding this client's care? a. Edema and pain b. Electrolyte and fluid imbalance c. Cardiac and respiratory status d. Mental health status
ANS: B This client may have an inflammatory cause of AKI with proteins entering the glomerulus and holding the fluid in the filtrate, causing polyuria. Electrolyte loss and fluid balance is essential. Edema and pain are not usually a problem with fluid loss. There could be changes in the client's cardiac, respiratory, and mental health status if the electrolyte imbalance is not treated.
The nurse is teaching a client with a neurogenic bladder to use intermittent self-catheterization for bladder emptying. Which client statement indicates a need for further clarification? 1. "A small-lumen catheter will help prevent injury to my urethra." 2. "I will use a new, sterile catheter each time I do the procedure." 3. "My family members can be taught to help me if I need it." 4. "Proper handwashing before I start the procedure is very important."
2. "I will use a new, sterile catheter each time I do the procedure." Catheters are cleaned and reused. With proper handwashing and cleaning of the catheter, no increase in bacterial complications has been shown. Catheters are replaced when they show signs of deteriorating. The smallest lumen possible and the use of a lubricant help reduce urethral trauma to this sensitive mucous tissue. Research shows that family members in the home can be taught to perform straight catheterizations using a clean (rather than a sterile) catheter with good outcomes. Proper handwashing is extremely important in reducing the risk for infection in clients who use intermittent self-catheterization and is a principle that should be stressed.
The nurse receives the change-of-shift report on four clients. Which client does the nurse decide to assess first? 1. 26-year-old admitted 2 days ago with urosepsis with an oral temperature of 99.4° F (37.4° C) 2. 28-year-old with urolithiasis who has been receiving morphine sulfate and has not voided for 8 hours 3. 32-year-old admitted with hematuria and possible bladder cancer who is scheduled for cystoscopy 4. 40-year-old with noninfectious urethritis who is reporting "burning" and has estrogen cream prescribed
2. 28-year-old with urolithiasis who has been receiving morphine sulfate and has not voided for 8 hours Anuria may indicate urinary obstruction at the bladder neck or urethra and is an emergency because obstruction can cause acute kidney failure. The client who has been receiving morphine sulfate may be oversedated and may not be aware of any discomfort caused by bladder distention. The 26-year-old admitted with urosepsis and slight fever, the 32-year-old scheduled for cystoscopy, and the 40-year-old with noninfectious urethritis are not at immediate risk for complications or deterioration.
Which signs and symptoms indicate rejection of a transplanted kidney? Select all that apply. 1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 21, creatinine 0.9 2. Crackles in the lung fields 3. Temperature of 98.8° F (37.1° C) 4. Blood pressure of 164/98 mm Hg 5. +3 edema of the lower extremities
2. Crackles in the lung fields 4. Blood pressure of 164/98 mm Hg 5. +3 edema of the lower extremities 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 and a creatinine of 0.9 reflect normal values. Fever, not normothermia, is symptomatic of transplant rejection.
What laboratory changes does the nurse expect in a client with chronic kidney disease? Select all that apply. 1. Increased serum calcium 2. Elevated BUN 3. Decreased serum potassium 4. Elevated creatinine 5. Elevated hemoglobin
2. Elevated BUN 4. Elevated creatinine In a client with chronic kidney disease, the abnormal laboratory values the nurse would expect are elevated serum creatinine and elevated blood urea nitrogen. Serum calcium would be decreased, serum potassium would be increased and hemoglobin levels would be decreased.
During assessment of a client, what finding does the nurse associate with the presence of kidney stones? 1. Oliguria 2. Flank pain 3. Dysuria 4. Flank pain extending to the scrotum
2. Flank pain The major manifestation of kidney stones is renal colic, which begins suddenly and is described as "unbearable." Flank pain indicates that the stone is in the kidney or the upper ureter. Oliguria, or scant urine output, indicates an obstruction at the bladder neck or urethra. Dysuria and frequency occur when the stone reaches the bladder and causes irritation. Flank pain extending to the scrotum suggests that the stones are in the ureters or bladder. The pain is most intense when the stone is moving or when the ureter is obstructed.
A client with an acute kidney injury will require continuing dialysis even after discharge. What does the nurse include in the discharge teaching? 1. Consume foods rich in potassium. 2. Limit the intake of foods containing phosphorus. 3. Consume at least 2 L of fluids daily. 4. Report a daily weight gain of more than 3 lb.
2. Limit the intake of foods containing phosphorus. This client should limit the intake of foods containing phosphorus because high blood phosphate levels cause hypocalcemia. The client should restrict dietary sodium and potassium; low urine output can cause an increase in serum sodium and serum potassium levels. Fluid consumption is restricted in the client to prevent fluid overload. The client must keep a log of daily weight measurements and report a weight gain of 2 lb a day to the health care provider.
The nurse is teaching the family of a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) how to manage fluid volume. What does the nurse teach the family? 1. Weigh the client weekly, on the same day and at the same time. 2. Monitor the client for headache or blurred vision. 3. Monitor for decreased blood pressure every 4 hours. 4. Check for distended neck veins in the supine position.
2. Monitor the client for headache or blurred vision. The family should be taught to monitor the client for headache or blurred vision because these are signs of toxicity. The client must maintain a consistent daily weight record and observe the weight graph for signs of fluid retention. The client must be monitored for increased blood pressure every 4 hours and inspected for distended neck veins in the sitting position. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid overload.
The nurse is caring for a client with prerenal failure. What is the cause of this AKI? 1. Damage to kidney tissue 2. Reduced perfusion 3. Obstruction of urine flow 4. Chronic kidney disease
2. Reduced perfusion Traditionally, AKI caused by reduced perfusion is classed as prerenal failure. It is the most common cause of AKI in acute care. Damage to kidney tissue is classed as intrarenal or intrinsic renal failure and reflects injury to the glomeruli, nephrons, or tubules. Obstruction of urine flow is also called postrenal failure.
What complication may the nurse expect in an older client with an indwelling catheter for urinary continence? 1. Skin breakdown 2. Risk for infection 3. Damage to tissues 4. Urine retention
2. Risk for infection An indwelling catheter increases the risk for infection in a client. An indwelling catheter can help protect the skin and reduce the risk of skin breakdown caused by urinary incontinence. Applied devices, such as intravaginal pessaries for women and penile clamps for men, can cause tissue damage. An indwelling catheter completely drains the bladder, so the client does not have urinary retention.
The nurse is caring for a client who has pyuria. What does the urinalysis reveal in this client? 1. Kidney stones. 2. White blood cells in the urine. 3. Red blood cells in the urine. 4. Heavy bacteria in the urine
2. White blood cells in the urine. Urinalysis showing pyuria means that the client has white blood cells in the urine without a large number of bacteria.
A nurse cares for a client who has kidney stones from secondary hyperoxaluria. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering? a. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) b. Propantheline (Pro-Banthine) c. Tolterodine (Detrol LA) d. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
ANS: D Stones caused by secondary hyperoxaluria respond to allopurinol (Zyloprim). Phenazopyridine is given to clients with urinary tract infections. Propantheline is an anticholinergic. Tolterodine is an anticholinergic with smooth muscle relaxant properties.
A nurse cares for a client who has kidney stones from secondary hyperoxaluria. Which medication shouldthe nurse anticipate administering? a. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) b. Propantheline (Pro-Banthine) c. Tolterodine (Detrol LA) d. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
ANS: D Stones caused by secondary hyperoxaluria respond to allopurinol (Zyloprim). Phenazopyridine is given to clients with urinary tract infections. Propantheline is an anticholinergic. Tolterodine is an anticholinergic with smooth muscle relaxant properties.
A client has just had a central line catheter placed that is specific for hemodialysis. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse? a. Use the catheter for the next laboratory blood draw. b. Monitor the central venous pressure through this line. c. Access the line for the next intravenous medication. d. Place a heparin or heparin/saline dwell after hemodialysis.
ANS: D The central line should have a heparin or heparin/saline dwell after hemodialysis treatment. The central line catheter used for dialysis should not be used for blood sampling, monitoring central venous pressures, or giving drugs or fluids.
The nurse is instructing an older adult female client about interventions to decrease the risk for cystitis. Which client comment indicates that the teaching was effective? 1. "I must avoid drinking carbonated beverages." 2. "I need to douche vaginally once a week." 3. "I should drink 2½ liters of fluid every day." 4. "I will not drink fluids after 8 pm each evening."
3. "I should drink 2½ liters of fluid every day." Drinking 2½ liters of fluid a day flushes out the urinary system and helps reduce the risk for cystitis. Avoiding carbonated beverages is not necessary to reduce the risk for cystitis. Douching is not a healthy behavior because it removes beneficial organisms as well as the harmful ones. Avoiding fluids after 8 pm would help prevent nocturia but not cystitis. It is recommended that clients with incontinence problems limit their late-night fluid intake to 120 mL.
Discharge teaching has been provided for a client recovering from kidney transplantation. Which information indicates that the client understands the instructions? 1. "I can stop my medications when my kidney function returns to normal." 2. "If my urine output is decreased, I should increase my fluids." 3. "The antirejection medications will be taken for life." 4. "I will drink 8 ounces of water with my medications."
3. "The antirejection medications will be taken for life." Immune-suppressant therapy must be taken for life to prevent organ rejection. Adherence to immune-suppressive 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 antirejection medication with 8 ounces of water.
A 53-year-old postmenopausal woman reports "leaking urine" when she laughs, and is diagnosed with stress incontinence. What does the nurse tell the client about how certain drugs may be able to help with her stress incontinence? 1. "They can relieve your anxiety associated with incontinence." 2. "They help your bladder to empty." 3. "They may be used to improve urethral resistance." 4. "They decrease your bladder's tone."
3. "They may be used to improve urethral resistance." Bladder pressure is greater than urethral resistance; drugs may be used to improve urethral resistance. Relieving anxiety has not been shown to improve stress incontinence. No drugs have been shown to promote bladder emptying, and this is not usually the problem with stress incontinence. Emptying the bladder is accomplished by the individual, or if that is not possible, by using a catheter. Decreasing bladder tone would not be a desired outcome for a woman with incontinence.
A client is prescribed estrogen therapy for urinary incontinence. What does the nurse teach the client about this therapy? 1. Change positions slowly, especially in the mornings. 2. Report urine output that is significantly lower than fluid intake. 3. A thin application of cream is adequate. 4. Use hard candy to moisten the mouth.
3. A thin application of cream is adequate. Teach the client that a thin application of estrogen cream is all that is needed. The client taking tricyclic antidepressants must change positions slowly, especially in the mornings, because these drugs cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and increase the risk for falls. The client taking antispasmodics or anticholinergics should report urine output that is significantly lower than fluid intake as these drugs cause urine retention. Dry mouth is another side effect of antispasmodics and anticholinergics; the client can use hard candy to moisten the mouth.
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? 1. Blood pressure of 118/78 mm Hg 2. Weight loss of 3 lb during hospitalization 3. Dyspnea and anxiety at rest 4. Central venous pressure (CVP) of 6 mm Hg
3. Dyspnea and anxiety at rest 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 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.
A cognitively impaired client has urge incontinence. Which method for achieving continence does the nurse include in the client's care plan? 1. Bladder training 2. Credé method 3. Habit training 4. Kegel exercises
3. Habit training Habit training (scheduled toileting) will be most effective in reducing incontinence for a cognitively impaired client because the caregiver is responsible for helping the client to a toilet on a scheduled basis. Bladder training, the Credé method, and learning Kegel exercises require that the client be alert, cooperative, and able to assist with his or her own training.
A client is ordered phenazopyridine (Prodium) to reduce bladder pain and burning on urination. What does the nurse teach the client about this drug regimen? 1. Report if the urine turns red. 2. Report blurred vision. 3. Take the drug with a meal. 4. Wear dark glasses in sunlight.
3. Take the drug with a meal. The client should take the drug with a meal to prevent gastrointestinal disturbances. The client need not report if the urine turns red or orange because this is an expected response to the drug. The client taking antispasmodics for relieving bladder spasms is asked to report blurred vision,which is a manifestation of toxicity. The client taking antispasmodics, not analgesics, is asked to wear dark glasses in sunlight as the drug dilates the pupil and increases eye sensitivity to light.
A client with acute kidney injury has a blood pressure of 76/55 mm Hg. The health care provider ordered 1000 mL of normal saline to be infused over 1 hour to maintain perfusion. The client is starting to develop shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action? a. Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP). b. Ask for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter. c. Take the client's pulse. d. Slow down the normal saline infusion.
ANS: D The nurse should assess that the client could be developing fluid overload and respiratory distress and slow down the normal saline infusion. The calculation of the MAP also reflects perfusion. The insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter would evaluate the client's hemodynamic status, but this should not be the initial action by the nurse. Vital signs are also important after adjusting the intravenous infusion.
A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a client recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which statements made by the client indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. "I can continue to take antacids to relieve heartburn." b. "I need to ask for an antibiotic when scheduling a dental appointment." c. "I'll need to check my blood sugar often to prevent hypoglycemia." d. "The dose of my pain medication may have to be adjusted." e. "I should watch for bleeding when taking my anticoagulants."
ANS: B, C, D, E b. "I need to ask for an antibiotic when scheduling a dental appointment." c. "I'll need to check my blood sugar often to prevent hypoglycemia." d. "The dose of my pain medication may have to be adjusted." e. "I should watch for bleeding when taking my anticoagulants."
The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus how to prevent or delay chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which client statements indicate a lack of understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. "I need to decrease sodium, cholesterol, and protein in my diet." b. "My weight should be maintained at a body mass index of 30." c. "Smoking should be stopped as soon as I possibly can." d. "I can continue to take an aspirin every 4 to 8 hours for my pain." e. "I really only need to drink a couple of glasses of water each day."
ANS: B, D, E b. "My weight should be maintained at a body mass index of 30." d. "I can continue to take an aspirin every 4 to 8 hours for my pain." e. "I really only need to drink a couple of glasses of water each day."
A nurse assesses a client with a fungal urinary tract infection (UTI). Which assessments should the nurse complete? (Select all that apply.) a. Palpate the kidneys and bladder. b. Assess the medical history and current medical problems. c. Perform a bladder scan to assess post-void residual. d. Inquire about recent travel to foreign countries. e. Obtain a current list of medications.
ANS: B, E Clients who are severely immunocompromised or who have diabetes mellitus are more prone to fungal UTIs.The nurse should assess for these factors by asking about medical history, current medical problems, and the current medication list. A physical examination and a post-void residual may be needed, but not until further information is obtained indicating that these examinations are necessary. Travel to foreign countries probably would not be important because, even if exposed, the client needs some degree of compromised immunity to develop a fungal UTI.
The nurse is teaching a client about pelvic muscle exercises. What information does the nurse include? 1. "For the best effect, perform all of your exercises while you are seated on the toilet." 2. "Limit your exercises to 5 minutes twice a day, or you will injure yourself." 3. "Results should be visible to you within 72 hours." 4. "You know that you are exercising correct muscles if you can stop urine flow in midstream."
4. "You know that you are exercising correct muscles if you can stop urine flow in midstream." When the client can start and stop the urine stream, the pelvic muscles are being used. Pelvic muscle exercises can be performed anywhere and should be performed more often than 5 minutes twice daily. Noticeable results take several weeks.
The health care provider requests phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for a client with cystitis. What does the nurse tell the client about the drug? 1. "It will act as an antibacterial drug." 2. "This drug will treat your infection, not the symptoms of it." 3. "You need to take the drug on an empty stomach." 4. "Your urine will turn red or orange while on the drug."
4. "Your urine will turn red or orange while on the drug." Phenazopyridine will turn the client's urine red or orange. Clients should be warned about this effect of the drug because it will be alarming to them if they are not informed, and care should be taken because it will stain undergarments. Phenazopyridine reduces bladder pain and burning by exerting a local analgesic/anesthetic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract. It does treat the symptoms of bladder infection; it has no antibacterial action. Phenazopyridine should be taken with a meal or immediately after eating.
Which client does the nurse manager on the medical unit assign to an experienced LPN/LVN? 1. 42-year-old with painless hematuria who needs an admission assessment 2. 46-year-old scheduled for cystectomy who needs help in selecting a stoma site 3. 48-year-old receiving intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer 4. 55-year-old with incontinence who has intermittent catheterization prescribed
4. 55-year-old with incontinence who has intermittent catheterization prescribed Insertion of catheters is within the education and legal scope of practice for LPN/LVNs. Admission assessments and intravesical chemotherapy should be done by an RN. Preoperative preparation for cystectomy and stoma site selection should be done by an RN and either a Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) or an enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse.
What clinical finding in a postmenopausal client with urethritis does the nurse attribute to low estrogen levels? 1. The urinalysis indicates pyuria. 2. The urethral culture is positive for bacteria. 3. The urinalysis indicates presence of bacteria. 4. A pelvic examination shows tissue changes.
4. A pelvic examination shows tissue changes. A pelvic examination of a postmenopausal client shows tissue changes due to low estrogen. The client with urethritis does not have pyuria or white blood cells (WBCs) in the urine. The urethral culture and urinalysis is usually negative for bacteria. These clients may have improvement in their urethral symptoms with the use of estrogen vaginal cream.
A nurse teaches clients about the difference between urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Which statements should the nurse include in this education? (Select all that apply.) a. Urge incontinence involves a post-void residual volume less than 50 mL. b. Stress incontinence occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles. c. Stress incontinence usually occurs in people with dementia. d. Urge incontinence can be managed by increasing fluid intake. e. Urge incontinence occurs due to abnormal bladder contractions.
ANS: B, E Clients who suffer from stress incontinence have weak pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter and cannot tighten their urethra sufficiently to overcome the increased detrusor pressure. Stress incontinence is common after childbirth, when the pelvic muscles are stretched and weakened from pregnancy and delivery. Urge incontinence occurs in people who cannot suppress the contraction signal from the detrusor muscle. Abnormal detrusor contractions may be a result of neurologic abnormalities including dementia, or may occur with no known abnormality. Post-void residual is associated with reflex incontinence, not with urge incontinence or stress incontinence. Management of urge incontinence includes decreasing fluid intake, especially in the evening hours.
A confused client with pneumonia is admitted with an indwelling catheter in place. During interdisciplinary rounds the following day, which question should the nurse ask the primary health care provider? a. Do you want daily weights on this client? b. Will the client be able to return home? c. Can we discontinue the indwelling catheter? d. Should we get another chest x-ray today?
ANS: C An indwelling catheter dramatically increases the risks of urinary tract infection and urosepsis. Nursing staff should ensure that catheters are left in place only as long as they are medically needed. The nurse should inquire about removing the catheter. All other questions might be appropriate, but because of client safety, this question takes priority.
The nurse is caring for a client with cystitis. What does the nurse ask the client to include in the diet as part of nutritional therapy? 1. Carbonated beverages 2. Tomato products 3. Caffeine 4. Cranberry juice
4. Cranberry juice The client with cystitis should consume 50 mL of concentrated cranberry juice daily because it is known to decrease the ability of bacteria to adhere to the epithelial cells lining the urinary tract, decreasing the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections in some clients. Cranberry juice must be consumed for 3 to 4 weeks to be effective. Caffeine, carbonated beverages, and tomato products must be avoided to decrease bladder irritation during cystitis.
What does the nurse teach a client to do to decrease the risk for urinary tract infection (UTI)? 1. Limit fluid intake. 2. Increase caffeine consumption. 3. Limit sugar intake. 4. Drink about 3 liters of fluid daily.
4. Drink about 3 liters of fluid daily. Drinking about 3 liters of fluid daily, if another medical problem does not require fluid restriction, helps prevent dehydration and UTIs. Fluids flush the system and should not be limited. Increased caffeine intake and limiting sugar intake will not prevent UTIs.
A client is receiving a loop diuretic for chronic kidney disease. Which drug does the nurse recognize as a loop diuretic? 1. Digoxin (Lanoxin) 2. Folic acid (Folvite) 3. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) 4. Furosemide (Lasix)
4. Furosemide (Lasix) Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic used to manage volume overload when urinary elimination is still present. Clients also may use epoetin alfa, a synthetic erythropoietin, to prevent anemia. It stimulates the growth of red blood cells and facilitates their maturation in the bone marrow. Clients are also advised to use aluminum hydroxide gel, a phosphate binder, to lower serum phosphate levels. High blood phosphate levels cause hypocalcemia and osteodystrophy. Digoxin is a cardiac drug which may be used in chronic kidney disease.
What procedure does the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe for the removal of a large, impacted stone in a client's kidney? 1. Lithotripsy 2. Stenting 3. Pyelolithotomy 4. Nephrolithotomy
4. Nephrolithotomy Nephrolithotomy, an open surgical procedure, is often prescribed to remove a large, impacted stone in the kidney. This method is performed if all other procedures fail and there is a possible risk for a lasting injury to the ureter or kidney. Lithotripsy is the use of sound, laser, or dry shock waves to break stones into small fragments. Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure performed by placing a stent in the ureter by ureteroscopy. The stent dilates the ureter, enlarging the passageway for the stone or stone fragments. Pyelolithotomy is an open surgical procedure to remove stones in the kidney pelvis.
A client reports experiencing involuntary loss and constant dribbling of urine due to an enlarged prostate. How does the nurse document this incontinence? 1. Stress incontinence 2. Urge incontinence 3. Reflex incontinence 4. Overflow incontinence
4. Overflow incontinence This client's condition is known as overflow incontinence. The urethra in the client is obstructed due to the enlarged prostate; the urethra fails to relax sufficiently to allow urine to flow, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying or complete urinary retention. Loss of urine following physical exertion, cough, or sneeze is documented as stress incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency or acquired anatomic damage to the urethral sphincter. The client with urge incontinence experiences an involuntary loss of urine with a strong desire to urinate. The client with reflex incontinence has a post-void residual less than 50 mL.
A nurse cares for a client admitted from a nursing home after several recent falls. What prescription should the nurse complete first? a. Obtain urine sample for culture and sensitivity. b. Administer intravenous antibiotics. c. Encourage protein intake and additional fluids. d. Consult physical therapy for gait training.
ANS: A Although all interventions are or might be important, obtaining a urine sample for urinalysis takes priority.Often urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in older adults are atypical, and a UTI may present with new onset of confusion or falling. The urine sample should be obtained before starting antibiotics.
The nurse is teaching the importance of a low purine diet to a client admitted with urolithiasis consisting of uric acid. Which statement by the client indicates that teaching was effective? A. "I am so relieved that I can continue eating my fried fish meals every week." B. "I will quit growing rhubarb in my garden since I'm not supposed to eat it anymore." C. "My wife will be happy to know that I can keep enjoying her liver and onions recipe." D. "I will no longer be able to have red wine with my dinner."
D. "I will no longer be able to have red wine with my dinner." Nutrition therapy depends on the type of stone formed. When stones consist of uric acid (urate), the client should decrease intake of purine sources such as organ meats, poultry, fish, gravies, red wines, and sardines. Reduction of urinary purine content may help prevent these stones from forming. Avoiding oxalate sources such as spinach, black tea, and rhubarb is appropriate when the stone consists of calcium oxalate.
The nurse is teaching a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) about the sodium restriction needed in the diet to prevent edema and hypertension. Which statement by the client indicates more teaching is needed? a. "I am thrilled that I can continue to eat fast food." b. "I will cut out bacon with my eggs every morning." c. "My cooking style will change by not adding salt." d. "I will probably lose weight by cutting out potato chips."
a. "I am thrilled that I can continue to eat fast food."
A 70-kg adult with chronic renal failure is on a 40-g protein diet. The client has a reduced glomerular filtration rate and is not undergoing dialysis. Which result would give the nurse the most concern? a. Albumin level of 2.5 g/dL b. Phosphorus level of 5 mg/dL c. Sodium level of 135 mmol/L d. Potassium level of 5.5 mmol/L
a. Albumin level of 2.5 g/dL
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is experiencing nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia. Which action by the nurse is best? a. Check the client's digoxin (Lanoxin) level. b. Administer an anti-nausea medication. c. Ask if the client is able to eat crackers. d. Get a referral to a gastrointestinal provider.
a. Check the client's digoxin (Lanoxin) level.
A client is taking furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg/day for management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To detect the positive effect of the medication, what action of the nurse is best? a. Obtain daily weights of the client. b. Auscultate heart and breath sounds. c. Palpate the client's abdomen. d. Assess the client's diet history.
a. Obtain daily weights of the client.
The nurse is teaching the main principles of hemodialysis to a client with chronic kidney disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse? a. "My sodium level changes by movement from the blood into the dialysate." b. "Dialysis works by movement of wastes from lower to higher concentration." c. "Extra fluid can be pulled from the blood by osmosis." d. "The dialysate is similar to blood but without any toxins."
b. "Dialysis works by movement of wastes from lower to higher concentration."
The charge nurse is orienting a float nurse to an assigned client with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula for hemodialysis in her left arm. Which action by the float nurse would be considered unsafe? a. Palpating the access site for a bruit or thrill b. Using the right arm for a blood pressure reading c. Administering intravenous fluids through the AV fistula d. Checking distal pulses in the left arm
c. Administering intravenous fluids through the AV fistula
A client is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). What is an ideal goal of treatment set by the nurse in the care plan to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema? a. Maintaining oxygen saturation of 89% b. Minimal crackles and wheezes in lung sounds c. Maintaining a balanced intake and output d. Limited shortness of breath upon exertion
c. Maintaining a balanced intake and output
The nurse is taking the vital signs of a client after hemodialysis. Blood pressure is 110/58 mm Hg, pulse 66 beats/min, and temperature is 99.8° F (37.6° C). What is the most appropriate action by the nurse? a. Administer fluid to increase blood pressure. b. Check the white blood cell count. c. Monitor the client's temperature. d. Connect the client to an electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor.
c. Monitor the client's temperature.
A client is placed on fluid restrictions because of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which assessment finding would alert the nurse that the client's fluid balance is stable at this time? a. Decreased calcium levels b. Increased phosphorus levels c. No adventitious sounds in the lungs d. Increased edema in the legs
c. No adventitious sounds in the lungs
A client with chronic kidney disease states, "I feel chained to the hemodialysis machine." What is the nurse's best response to the client's statement? a. "That feeling will gradually go away as you get used to the treatment." b. "You probably need to see a psychiatrist to see if you are depressed." c. "Do you need help from social services to discuss financial aid?" d. "Tell me more about your feelings regarding hemodialysis treatment."
d. "Tell me more about your feelings regarding hemodialysis treatment."
A client has a long history of hypertension. Which category of medications would the nurse expect to be ordered to avoid chronic kidney disease (CKD)? a. Antibiotic b. Histamine blocker c. Bronchodilator d. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
d. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
A client is assessed by the nurse after a hemodialysis session. The nurse notes bleeding from the client's nose and around the intravenous catheter. What action by the nurse is the priority? a. Hold pressure over the client's nose for 10 minutes. b. Take the client's pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. c. Assess for a bruit or thrill over the arteriovenous fistula. d. Prepare protamine sulfate for administration.
d. Prepare protamine sulfate for administration.