Renal Disorders 3 NurseLabs

17. The nurse is assisting a client on a low-potassium diet to select food items from the menu. Which of the following food items, if selected by the client, would indicate an understanding of this dietary restriction? 1. Cantaloupe 2. Spinach 3. Lima beans 4. Strawberries

17. Answer: 3. Lima beans Cantaloupe (1/4 small), spinach (1/2 cooked) and strawberries (1 ¼ cups) are high potassium foods and average 7 mEq per serving. Lima beans (1/3 c) averages 3 mEq per serving.

2. A client is diagnosed with chronic renal failure and told she must start hemodialysis. Client teaching would include which of the following instructions? 1. Follow a high potassium diet 2. Strictly follow the hemodialysis schedule 3. There will be a few changes in your lifestyle. 4. Use alcohol on the skin and clean it due to integumentary change

2. Answer: 2. Strictly follow the hemodialysis schedule To prevent life-threatening complications, the client must follow the dialysis schedule. Alcohol would further dry the client's skin more than it already is. The client should follow a low-potassium diet because potassium levels increase in chronic renal failure. The client should know hemodialysis is time-consuming and will definitely cause a change in current lifestyle.

3. A client is undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The dialysate dwell time is completed, and the dwell clamp is opened to allow the dialysate to drain. The nurse notes that the drainage has stopped and only 500 ml has drained; the amount the dialysate instilled was 1,500 ml. Which of the following interventions would be done first? 1. Change the client's position. 2. Call the physician. 3. Check the catheter for kinks or obstruction. 4. Clamp the catheter and instill more dialysate at the next exchange time.

3. Answer: 3. Check the catheter for kinks or obstruction. The first intervention should be to check for kinks and obstructions because that could be preventing drainage. After checking for kinks, have the client change position to promote drainage. Don't give the next scheduled exchange until the dialysate is drained because abdominal distention will occur, unless the output is within parameters set by the physician. If unable to get more output despite checking for kinks and changing the client's position, the nurse should then call the physician to determine the proper intervention.

Renal Disorders 3 NurseLabs

Renal Disorders 3 NurseLabs

1. Dialysis allows for the exchange of particles across a semipermeable membrane by which of the following actions? 1. Osmosis and diffusion 2. Passage of fluid toward a solution with a lower solute concentration 3. Allowing the passage of blood cells and protein molecules through it. 4. Passage of solute particles toward a solution with a higher concentration.

1. Answer: 1. Osmosis and diffusion Osmosis allows for the removal of fluid from the blood by allowing it to pass through the semipermeable membrane to an area of high concentrate (dialysate), and diffusion allows for passage of particles (electrolytes, urea, and creatinine) from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Fluid passes to an area with a higher solute concentration. The pores of a semipermeable membrane are small, thus preventing the flow of blood cells and protein molecules through it.

10. The client with chronic renal failure is at risk of developing dementia related to excessive absorption of aluminum. The nurse teaches that this is the reason that the client is being prescribed which of the following phosphate binding agents? 1. Alu-cap (aluminum hydroxide) 2. Tums (calcium carbonate) 3. Amphojel (aluminum hydroxide) 4. Basaljel (aluminum hydroxide)

10. Answer: 2. Tums (calcium carbonate) Phosphate binding agents that contain aluminum include Alu-caps, Basaljel, and Amphojel. These products are made from aluminum hydroxide. Tums are made from calcium carbonate and also bind phosphorus. Tums are prescribed to avoid the occurrence of dementia related to high intake of aluminum. Phosphate binding agents are needed by the client in renal failure because the kidneys cannot eliminate phosphorus.

11. The client newly diagnosed with chronic renal failure recently has begun hemodialysis. Knowing that the client is at risk for disequilibrium syndrome, the nurse assesses the client during dialysis for: 1. Hypertension, tachycardia, and fever 2. Hypotension, bradycardia, and hypothermia 3. restlessness, irritability, and generalized weakness 4. Headache, deteriorating level of consciousness, and twitching.

11. Answer: 4. Headache, deteriorating level of consciousness, and twitching. Disequilibrium syndrome is characterized by headache, mental confusion, decreasing level of consciousness, nausea, and vomiting, twitching, and possible seizure activity. Disequilibrium syndrome is caused by rapid removal of solutes from the body during hemodialysis. At the same time, the blood-brain barrier interferes with the efficient removal of wastes from brain tissue. As a result, water goes into cerebral cells because of the osmotic gradient, causing brain swelling and onset of symptoms. The syndrome most often occurs in clients who are new to dialysis and is prevented by dialyzing for shorter times or at reduced blood flow rates.

12. A client with chronic renal failure has completed a hemodialysis treatment. The nurse would use which of the following standard indicators to evaluate the client's status after dialysis? 1. Potassium level and weight 2. BUN and creatinine levels 3. VS and BUN 4. VS and weight.

12. Answer: 4. VS and weight. Following dialysis, the client's vital signs are monitored to determine whether the client is remaining hemodynamically stable. Weight is measured and compared with the client's predialysis weight to determine effectiveness of fluid extraction. Laboratory studies are done as per protocol but are not necessarily done after the hemodialysis treatment has ended.

13. The hemodialysis client with a left arm fistula is at risk for steal syndrome. The nurse assesses this client for which of the following clinical manifestations? 1. Warmth, redness, and pain in the left hand. 2. Pallor, diminished pulse, and pain in the left hand. 3. Edema and reddish discoloration of the left arm 4. Aching pain, pallor, and edema in the left arm.

13. Answer: 2. Pallor, diminished pulse, and pain in the left hand. Steal syndrome results from vascular insufficiency after creation of a fistula. The client exhibits pallor and a diminished pulse distal to the fistula. The client also complains of pain distal to the fistula, which is due to tissue ischemia. Warmth, redness, and pain more likely would characterize a problem with infection.

14. A client is admitted to the hospital and has a diagnosis of early stage chronic renal failure. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client? 1. Polyuria 2. Polydipsia 3. Oliguria 4. Anuria

14. Answer: 1. Polyuria Polyuria occurs early in chronic renal failure and if untreated can cause severe dehydration. Polyuria progresses to anuria, and the client loses all normal functions of the kidney. Oliguria and anuria are not early signs, and polydipsia is unrelated to chronic renal failure.

15. The client with chronic renal failure returns to the nursing unit following a hemodialysis treatment. On assessment the nurse notes that the client's temperature is 100.2. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action? 1. Encourage fluids 2. Notify the physician 3. Monitor the site of the shunt for infection 4. Continue to monitor vital signs

15. Answer: 4. Continue to monitor vital signs The client may have an elevated temperature following dialysis because the dialysis machine warms the blood slightly. If the temperature is elevated excessively and remains elevated, sepsis would be suspected and a blood sample would be obtained as prescribed for culture and sensitivity purposes.

16. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has returned from the dialysis unit following hemodialysis. The client is complaining of a headache and nausea and is extremely restless. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action? 1. Notify the physician 2. Monitor the client 3. Elevate the head of the bed 4. Medicate the client for nausea

16. Answer: 1. Notify the physician Disequilibrium syndrome may be due to the rapid decrease in BUN levels during dialysis. These changes can cause cerebral edema that leads to increased intracranial pressure. The client is exhibiting early signs of disequilibrium syndrome and appropriate treatments with anticonvulsant medications and barbituates may be necessary to prevent a life-threatening situation. The physician must be notified.

18. The nurse is reviewing a list of components contained in the peritoneal dialysis solution with the client. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the glucose contained in the solution. The nurse bases the response knowing that the glucose: 1. Prevents excess glucose from being removed from the client. 2. Decreases risk of peritonitis. 3. Prevents disequilibrium syndrome 4. Increases osmotic pressure to produce ultrafiltration.

18. Answer: 4. Increases osmotic pressure to produce ultrafiltration. Increasing the glucose concentration makes the solution increasingly more hypertonic. The more hypertonic the solution, the greater the osmotic pressure for ultrafiltration and thus the greater amount of fluid removed from the client during an exchange.

19. The nurse is preparing to care for a client receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following would be included in the nursing plan of care to prevent the major complication associated with peritoneal dialysis? 1. Monitor the clients level of consciousness 2. Maintain strict aseptic technique 3. Add heparin to the dialysate solution 4. Change the catheter site dressing daily

19. Answer: 2. Maintain strict aseptic technique The major complication of peritoneal dialysis is peritonitis. Strict aseptic technique is required in caring for the client receiving this treatment. Although option 4 may assist in preventing infection, this option relates to an external site.

20. A client newly diagnosed with renal failure is receiving peritoneal dialysis. During the infusion of the dialysate the client complains of abdominal pain. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? 1. Slow the infusion 2. Decrease the amount to be infused 3. Explain that the pain will subside after the first few exchanges 4. Stop the dialysis

20. Answer: 3. Explain that the pain will subside after the first few exchanges Pain during the inflow of dialysate is common during the first few exchanges because of peritoneal irritation; however, the pain usually disappears after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. The infusion amount should not be decreased, and the infusion should not be slowed or stopped.

21. The nurse is instructing a client with diabetes mellitus about peritoneal dialysis. The nurse tells the client that it is important to maintain the dwell time for the dialysis at the prescribed time because of the risk of: 1. Infection 2. Hyperglycemia 3. Fluid overload 4. Disequilibrium syndrome

21. Answer: 2. Hyperglycemia An extended dwell time increases the risk of hyperglycemia in the client with diabetes mellitus as a result of absorption of glucose from the dialysate and electrolyte changes. Diabetic clients may require extra insulin when receiving peritoneal dialysis.

22. The client with acute renal failure has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. The nurse would plan which of the following as a priority action? 1. Allow an extra 500 ml of fluid intake to dilute the electrolyte concentration. 2. Encourage increased vegetables in the diet 3. Place the client on a cardiac monitor 4. Check the sodium level

22. Answer: 3. Place the client on a cardiac monitor The client with hyperkalemia is at risk for developing cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Because of this the client should be placed on a cardiac monitor. Fluid intake is not increased because it contributes to fluid overload and would not affect the serum potassium level significantly. Vegetables are a natural source of potassium in the diet, and their use would not be increased. The nurse may also assess the sodium level because sodium is another electrolyte commonly measured with the potassium level. However, this is not a priority action at this time.

23. The client with chronic renal failure who is scheduled for hemodialysis this morning is due to receive a daily dose of enalapril (Vasotec). The nurse should plan to administer this medication: 1. Just before dialysis 2. During dialysis 3. On return from dialysis 4. The day after dialysis

23. Answer: 3. On return from dialysis Antihypertensive medications such as enalapril are given to the client following hemodialysis. This prevents the client from becoming hypotensive during dialysis and also from having the medication removed from the bloodstream by dialysis. No rationale exists for waiting a full day to resume the medication. This would lead to ineffective control of the blood pressure.

24. The client with chronic renal failure has an indwelling catheter for peritoneal dialysis in the abdomen. The client spills water on the catheter dressing while bathing. The nurse should immediately: 1. Reinforce the dressing 2. Change the dressing 3. Flush the peritoneal dialysis catheter 4. Scrub the catheter with povidone-iodine

24. Answer: 2. Change the dressing Clients with peritoneal dialysis catheters are at high risk for infection. A dressing that is wet is a conduit for bacteria for bacteria to reach the catheter insertion site. The nurse assures that the dressing is kept dry at all times. Reinforcing the dressing is not a safe practice to prevent infection in this circumstance. Flushing the catheter is not indicated. Scrubbing the catheter with povidone-iodine is done at the time of connection or disconnecting of peritoneal dialysis.

25. The client being hemodialyzed suddenly becomes short of breath and complains of chest pain. The client is tachycardic, pale, and anxious. The nurse suspects air embolism. The nurse should: 1. Continue the dialysis at a slower rate after checking the lines for air 2. Discontinue dialysis and notify the physician 3. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for the next hour 4. Bolus the client with 500 ml of normal saline to break up the air embolism.

25. Answer: 2. Discontinue dialysis and notify the physician If the client experiences air embolus during hemodialysis, the nurse should terminate dialysis immediately, notify the physician, and administer oxygen as needed.

26. The nurse has completed client teaching with the hemodialysis client about self-monitoring between hemodialysis treatments. The nurse determines that the client best understands the information given if the client states to record the daily: 1. Pulse and respiratory rate 2. Intake, output, and weight 3. BUN and creatinine levels 4. Activity log

26. Answer: 2. Intake, output, and weight The client on hemodialysis should monitor fluid status between hemodialysis treatments by recording intake and output and measuring weight daily. Ideally, the hemodialysis client should not gain more than 0.5 kg of weight per day.

27. The client with an arteriovenous shunt in place for hemodialysis is at risk for bleeding. The nurse would do which of the following as a priority action to prevent this complication from occurring? 1. Check the results of the PT time as they are ordered. 2. Observe the site once per shift 3. Check the shunt for the presence of a bruit and thrill 4. Ensure that small clamps are attached to the AV shunt dressing.

27. Answer: 4. Ensure that small clamps are attached to the AV shunt dressing. An AV shunt is a less common form of access site but carries a risk for bleeding when it is used because two ends of an external cannula are tunneled subcutaneously into an artery and a vein, and the ends of the cannula are joined. If accidental connection occurs, the client could lose blood rapidly. For this reason, small clamps are attached to the dressing that covers the insertion site to use if needed. The shunt site should be assessed at least every four hours.

28. The nurse is monitoring a client receiving peritoneal dialysis and nurse notes that a client's outflow is less than the inflow. Select actions that the nurse should take. 1. Place the client in good body alignment 2. Check the level of the drainage bag 3. Contact the physician 4. Check the peritoneal dialysis system for kinks 5. Reposition the client to his or her side.

28. Answer: 1, 2, 4, 5. If outflow drainage is inadequate, the nurse attempts to stimulate outflow by changing the client's position. Turning the client to the other side or making sure that the client is in good body alignment may assist with outflow drainage. The drainage bag needs to be lower than the client's abdomen to enhance gravity drainage. The connecting tubing and the peritoneal dialysis system is also checked for kinks or twisting and the clamps on the system are checked to ensure that they are open. There is no reason to contact the physician.

29. The nurse assesses the client who has chronic renal failure and notes the following: crackles in the lung bases, elevated blood pressure, and weight gain of 2 pounds in one day. Based on these data, which of the following nursing diagnoses is appropriate? 1. Excess fluid volume related to the kidney's inability to maintain fluid balance. 2. Increased cardiac output related to fluid overload. 3. Ineffective tissue perfusion related to interrupted arterial blood flow. 4. Ineffective therapeutic Regimen Management related to lack of knowledge about therapy.

29. Answer: 1. Excess fluid volume related to the kidney's inability to maintain fluid balance. Crackles in the lungs, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure are indicators of excess fluid volume, a common complication in chronic renal failure. The client's fluid status should be monitored carefully for imbalances on an ongoing basis.

30. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has chronic renal failure. Which of the following nursing diagnoses are most appropriate for this client? Select all that apply. 1. Excess Fluid Volume 2. Imbalanced Nutrition; Less than Body Requirements 3. Activity Intolerance 4. Impaired Gas Exchange 5. Pain.

30. Answer: 1, 2, 3. Appropriate nursing diagnoses for clients with chronic renal failure include excess fluid volume related to fluid and sodium retention; imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting; and activity intolerance related to fatigue. The nursing diagnoses of impaired gas exchange and pain are not commonly related to chronic renal failure.

31. What is the primary disadvantage of using peritoneal dialysis for long term management of chronic renal failure? 1. The danger of hemorrhage is high. 2. It cannot correct severe imbalances. 3. It is a time consuming method of treatment. 4. The risk of contracting hepatitis is high.

31. Answer: 3. It is a time consuming method of treatment. The disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis in long-term management of chronic renal failure is that is requires large blocks of time. The risk of hemorrhage or hepatitis is not high with PD. PD is effective in maintaining a client's fluid and electrolyte balance.

32. The dialysis solution is warmed before use in peritoneal dialysis primarily to: 1. Encourage the removal of serum urea. 2. Force potassium back into the cells. 3. Add extra warmth into the body. 4. Promote abdominal muscle relaxation.

32. Answer: 1. Encourage the removal of serum urea. The main reason for warming the peritoneal dialysis solution is that the warm solution helps dilate peritoneal vessels, which increases urea clearance. Warmed dialyzing solution also contributes to client comfort by preventing chilly sensations, but this is a secondary reason for warming the solution. The warmed solution does not force potassium into the cells or promote abdominal muscle relaxation.

33. During the client's dialysis, the nurse observes that the solution draining from the abdomen is consistently blood tinged. The client has a permanent peritoneal catheter in place. Which interpretation of this observation would be correct? 1. Bleeding is expected with a permanent peritoneal catheter 2. Bleeding indicates abdominal blood vessel damage 3. Bleeding can indicate kidney damage. 4. Bleeding is caused by too-rapid infusion of the dialysate.

33. Answer: 2. Bleeding indicates abdominal blood vessel damage Because the client has a permanent catheter in place, blood tinged drainage should not occur. Persistent blood tinged drainage could indicate damage to the abdominal vessels, and the physician should be notified. The bleeding is originating in the peritoneal cavity, not the kidneys. Too rapid infusion of the dialysate can cause pain.

34. Which of the following nursing interventions should be included in the client's care plan during dialysis therapy? 1. Limit the client's visitors 2. Monitor the client's blood pressure 3. Pad the side rails of the bed 4. Keep the client NPO.

34. Answer: 2. Monitor the client's blood pressure Because hypotension is a complication of peritoneal dialysis, the nurse records intake and output, monitors VS, and observes the client's behavior. The nurse also encourages visiting and other diversional activities. A client on PD does not need to be placed in bed with padded side rails or kept NPO.

35. Aluminum hydroxide gel (Amphojel) is prescribed for the client with chronic renal failure to take at home. What is the purpose of giving this drug to a client with chronic renal failure? 1. To relieve the pain of gastric hyperacidity 2. To prevent Curling's stress ulcers 3. To bind phosphorus in the intestine 4. To reverse metabolic acidosis.

35. Answer: 3. To bind phosphorus in the intestine A client in renal failure develops hyperphosphatemia that causes a corresponding excretion of the body's calcium stores, leading to renal osteodystrophy. To decrease this loss, aluminum hydroxide gel is prescribed to bind phosphates in the intestine and facilitate their excretion. Gastric hyperacidity is not necessarily a problem associated with chronic renal failure. Antacids will not prevent Curling's stress ulcers and do not affect metabolic acidosis.

36. The nurse teaches the client with chronic renal failure when to take the aluminum hydroxide gel. Which of the following statements would indicate that the client understands the teaching? 1. "I'll take it every 4 hours around the clock." 2. "I'll take it between meals and at bedtime." 3. "I'll take it when I have a sour stomach." 4. "I'll take it with meals and bedtime snacks."

36. Answer: 3. "I'll take it when I have a sour stomach." Aluminum hydroxide gel is administered to bind the phosphates in ingested foods and must be given with or immediately after meals and snacks. There is no need for the client to take it on a 24-hour schedule. It is not administered to treat hyperacidity in clients with CRF and therefore is not prescribed between meals.

37. The client with chronic renal failure tells the nurse he takes magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) at home for constipation. The nurse suggests that the client switch to psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) because: 1. MOM can cause magnesium toxicity 2. MOM is too harsh on the bowel 3. Metamucil is more palatable 4. MOM is high in sodium

37. Answer: 1. MOM can cause magnesium toxicity Magnesium is normally excreted by the kidneys. When the kidneys fail, magnesium can accumulate and cause severe neurologic problems. MOM is harsher than Metamucil, but magnesium toxicity is a more serious problem. A client may find both MOM and Metamucil unpalatable. MOM is not high in sodium.

38. In planning teaching strategies for the client with chronic renal failure, the nurse must keep in mind the neurologic impact of uremia. Which teaching strategy would be most appropriate? 1. Providing all needed teaching in one extended session. 2. Validating frequently the client's understanding of the material. 3. Conducting a one-on-one session with the client. 4. Using videotapes to reinforce the material as needed.

38. Answer: 2. Validating frequently the client's understanding of the material. Uremia can cause decreased alertness, so the nurse needs to validate the client's comprehension frequently. Because the client's ability to concentrate is limited, short lesions are most effective. If family members are present at the sessions, they can reinforce the material. Written materials that the client can review are superior to videotapes, because the clients may not be able to maintain alertness during the viewing of the videotape.

39. The nurse helps the client with chronic renal failure develop a home diet plan with the goal of helping the client maintain adequate nutritional intake. Which of the following diets would be most appropriate for a client with chronic renal failure? 1. High carbohydrate, high protein 2. High calcium, high potassium, high protein 3. Low protein, low sodium, low potassium 4. Low protein, high potassium

39. Answer: 3. Low protein, low sodium, low potassium Dietary management for clients with chronic renal failure is usually designed to restrict protein, sodium, and potassium intake. Protein intake is reduced because the kidney can no longer excrete the byproducts of protein metabolism. The degree of dietary restriction depends on the degree of renal impairment. The client should also receive a high carbohydrate diet along with appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. Calcium requirements remain 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day.

4. A client receiving hemodialysis treatment arrives at the hospital with a blood pressure of 200/100, a heart rate of 110, and a respiratory rate of 36. Oxygen saturation on room air is 89%. He complains of shortness of breath, and +2 pedal edema is noted. His last hemodialysis treatment was yesterday. Which of the following interventions should be done first? 1. Administer oxygen 2. Elevate the foot of the bed 3. Restrict the client's fluids 4. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.

4. Answer: 1. Administer oxygen Airway and oxygenation are always the first priority. Because the client is complaining of shortness of breath and his oxygen saturation is only 89%, the nurse needs to try to increase his levels by administering oxygen. The client is in pulmonary edema from fluid overload and will need to be dialyzed and have his fluids restricted, but the first interventions should be aimed at the immediate treatment of hypoxia. The foot of the bed may be elevated to reduce edema, but this isn't the priority.

40. A client with chronic renal failure has asked to be evaluated for a home continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) program. The nurse should explain that the major advantage of this approach is that it: 1. Is relatively low in cost 2. Allows the client to be more independent 3. Is faster and more efficient than standard peritoneal dialysis 4. Has fewer potential complications than standard peritoneal dialysis

40. Answer: 2. Allows the client to be more independent The major benefit of CAPD is that it frees the client from daily dependence on dialysis centers, home health care personnel, and machines for life-sustaining treatment. The independence is a valuable outcome for some people. CAPD is costly and must be done daily. Side effects and complications are similar to those of standard peritoneal dialysis.

41. The client asks whether her diet would change on CAPD. Which of the following would be the nurse's best response? 1. "Diet restrictions are more rigid with CAPD because standard peritoneal dialysis is a more effective technique." 2. "Diet restrictions are the same for both CAPD and standard peritoneal dialysis." 3. "Diet restrictions with CAPD are fewer than with standard peritoneal dialysis because dialysis is constant." 4. "Diet restrictions with CAPD are fewer than with standard peritoneal dialysis because CAPD works more quickly."

41. Answer: 3. "Diet restrictions with CAPD are fewer than with standard peritoneal dialysis because dialysis is constant." Dietary restrictions with CAPD are fewer than those with standard peritoneal dialysis because dialysis is constant, not intermittent. The constant slow diffusion of CAPD helps prevent accumulation of toxins and allows for a more liberal diet. CAPD does not work more quickly, but more consistently. Both types of peritoneal dialysis are effective.

42. Which of the following is the most significant sign of peritoneal infection? 1. Cloudy dialysate fluid 2. Swelling in the legs 3. Poor drainage of the dialysate fluid 4. Redness at the catheter insertion site

42. Answer: 1. Cloudy dialysate fluid Cloudy drainage indicates bacterial activity in the peritoneum. Other signs and symptoms of infection are fever, hyperactive bowel sounds, and abdominal pain. Swollen legs may be indicative of congestive heart failure. Poor drainage of dialysate fluid is probably the result of a kinked catheter. Redness at the insertion site indicates local infection, not peritonitis. However, a local infection that is left untreated can progress to the peritoneum.

43. The main indicator of the need for hemodialysis is: 1. Ascites 2. Acidosis 3. Hypertension 4. Hyperkalemia

43. Answer: 4. Hyperkalemia

44. To gain access to the vein and artery, an AV shunt was used for Mr. Roberto. The most serious problem with regards to the AV shunt is: 1. Septicemia 2. Clot formation 3. Exsanguination 4. Vessel sclerosis

44. Answer: 3. Exsanguination

45. When caring for Mr. Roberto's AV shunt on his right arm, you should: 1. Cover the entire cannula with an elastic bandage 2. Notify the physician if a bruit and thrill are present 3. User surgical aseptic technique when giving shunt care 4. Take the blood pressure on the right arm instead

45. Answer: 3. User surgical aseptic technique when giving shunt care

5. A client has a history of chronic renal failure and received hemodialysis treatments three times per week through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the left arm. Which of the following interventions is included in this client's plan of care? 1. Keep the AV fistula site dry. 2. Keep the AV fistula wrapped in gauze. 3. Take the blood pressure in the left arm 4. Assess the AV fistula for a bruit and thrill

5. Answer: 4. Assess the AV fistula for a bruit and thrill Assessment of the AV fistula for bruit and thrill is important because, if not present, it indicates a non-functioning fistula. No blood pressures or venipunctures should be taken in the arm with the AV fistula. When not being dialyzed, the AV fistula site may get wet. Immediately after a dialysis treatment, the access site is covered with adhesive bandages.

6. Which of the following factors causes the nausea associated with renal failure? 1. Oliguria 2. Gastric ulcers 3. Electrolyte imbalances 4. Accumulation of waste products

6. Answer: 4. Accumulation of waste products Although clients with renal failure can develop stress ulcers, the nausea is usually related to the poisons of metabolic wastes that accumulate when the kidneys are unable to eliminate them. The client has electrolyte imbalances and oliguria, but these don't directly cause nausea.

7. Which of the following clients is at greatest risk for developing acute renal failure? 1. A dialysis client who gets influenza 2. A teenager who has an appendectomy 3. A pregnant woman who has a fractured femur 4. A client with diabetes who has a heart catherization

7. Answer: 4. A client with diabetes who has a heart catherization Clients with diabetes are prone to renal insufficiency and renal failure. The contrast used for heart catherization must be eliminated by the kidneys, which further stresses them and may produce acute renal failure. A teenager who has an appendectomy and a pregnant woman with a fractured femur isn't at increased risk for renal failure. A dialysis client already has end-stage renal disease and wouldn't develop acute renal failure.

8. In a client in renal failure, which assessment finding may indicate hypocalcemia? 1. Headache 2. Serum calcium level of 5 mEq/L 3. Increased blood coagulation 4. Diarrhea

8. Answer: 4. Diarrhea In renal failure, calcium absorption from the intestine declines, leading to increased smooth muscle contractions, causing diarrhea. CNS changes in renal failure rarely include headache. A serum calcium level of 5 mEq/L indicates hypercalcemia. As renal failure progresses, bleeding tendencies increase.

9. A nurse is assessing the patency of an arteriovenous fistula in the left arm of a client who is receiving hemodialysis for the treatment of chronic renal failure. Which finding indicates that the fistula is patent? 1. Absence of bruit on auscultation of the fistula. 2. Palpation of a thrill over the fistula 3. Presence of a radial pulse in the left wrist 4. Capillary refill time less than 3 seconds in the nail beds of the fingers on the left hand.

9. Answer: 2. Palpation of a thrill over the fistula The nurse assesses the patency of the fistula by palpating for the presence of a thrill or auscultating for a bruit. The presence of a thrill and bruit indicate patency of the fistula. Although the presence of a radial pulse in the left wrist and capillary refill time less than 3 seconds in the nail beds of the fingers on the left hand are normal findings, they do not assess fistula patency.