Chapter 48: Management of Patients with Kidney Disorders

A client with a history of chronic renal failure receives hemodialysis treatments three times per week through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the left arm. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

Assess the AV fistula for a bruit and thrill.

A client who agreed to become an organ donor is pronounced dead. What is the most important factor in selecting a transplant recipient?

Compatible blood and tissue types

Which nursing assessment finding indicates that the client who has undergone renal transplant has not met expected outcomes?

Fever

The nurse is caring for a patient after kidney surgery. What major danger should the nurse closely monitor for?

Hypovolemic shock caused by hemorrhage

The nurse instructs a client to perform continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis correctly at home. Which educational information should the nurse provide to the client?

Use an aseptic technique during the procedure.

The nurse weighs a patient daily and measures urinary output every hour. The nurse notices a weight gain of 1.5 kg in a 74-kg patient over 48 hours. The nurse is aware that this weight gain is equivalent to the retention of:

1,500 mL of fluid

A client with chronic kidney disease weighs 209 lbs (95 kg) and is prescribed 1.2 grams of protein per kg per day. Which amount of protein will the client ingest per day?

114

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease. The patient has gained 4 kg in the past 3 days. In milliliters, how much fluid retention does this equal? Enter your response as a whole number.

4000

A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease is hospitalized and receiving hemodialysis 3 days a week. When creating the plan of care, which actions will be included? Select all that apply.

Assess for a thrill or bruit over the vascular access site during every shift. Assess access site pain daily

A patient has stage 3 chronic kidney failure. What would the nurse expect the patient's glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to be?

A GFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2

A history of infection specifically caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is associated with which disorder?

Acute glomerulonephritis

The nurse is able to identify which condition as uremia?

An excess of urea in the blood

A patient admitted with electrolyte imbalance has carpopedal spasm, ECG changes, and a positive Chvostek sign. What deficit does the nurse suspect the patient has?

Calcium

A client who suffered hypovolemic shock during a cardiac incident has developed acute kidney injury. Which is the best nursing rationale for this complication?

Decrease in the blood flow through the kidneys

Acute dialysis is indicated during which situation?

Impending pulmonary edema

Which of the following occurs late in chronic glomerulonephritis?

Peripheral neuropathy

Which of the following would a nurse classify as a prerenal cause of acute renal failure?

Septic shock

Which clinical finding should a nurse look for in a client with chronic renal failure?

Uremia

Which of the following is the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain?

Weight

One of the roles of the nurse in caring for clients with chronic kidney disease is to help them learn to minimize and manage potential complications. This would include:

restricting sources of potassium.

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the client with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

"I should drink as much as possible to keep my kidneys working."

A client is experiencing a decreasing glomerular filtration. What laboratory values should the nurse expect to follow the change? Select all that apply.

Serum creatinine increases Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increases Creatinine clearance decreases

Based on her knowledge of the primary cause of end-stage renal disease, the nurse knows to assess the most important indicator. What is that indicator?

Serum glucose

A nurse assesses a client shortly after living donor kidney transplant surgery. Which postoperative finding must the nurse report to the physician immediately?

Urine output of 20 ml/hour

A client admitted with a gunshot wound to the abdomen is transferred to the intensive care unit after an exploratory laparotomy. IV fluid is being infused at 150 mL/hour. Which assessment finding suggests that the client is experiencing acute renal failure (ARF)?

Urine output of 250 ml/24 hours

The nurse is caring for a client with blood loss from esophageal varices. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is exhibiting signs of acute kidney injury (AKI) related to the loss of volume?

Urine output that has been <0.5 mL/kg/hr for several hours

The nurse is working on the renal transplant unit. To reduce the risk of infection in a client with a transplanted kidney, which action(s) will the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Wash hands carefully and frequently Perform skin hygiene Perform oral care

A male client has doubts about performing peritoneal dialysis at home. He informs the nurse about his existing upper respiratory infection. Which of the following suggestions can the nurse offer to the client while performing an at-home peritoneal dialysis?

Wear a mask when performing exchanges.

Because of difficulties with hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis is initiated to treat a client's uremia. Which finding during this procedure signals a significant problem?

White blood cell (WBC) count of 20,000/mm3

The nurse is administering calcium acetate (PhosLo) to a patient with end-stage renal disease. When is the best time for the nurse to administer this medication?

With food

The nurse cares for a client with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Which acid-base imbalance is associated with this disorder?

pH 7.20, PaCO2 36, HCO3 14-

A client has been diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. This condition causes:

proteinuria.

A client is admitted for treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF). The nurse knows that this disorder increases the client's risk of:

water and sodium retention secondary to a severe decrease in the glomerular filtration rate.

A client with chronic renal failure (CRF) is receiving a hemodialysis treatment. After hemodialysis, the nurse knows that the client is most likely to experience:

weight loss.

A nurse cares for an acutely ill client. The nurse understands that the most accurate indicator of fluid loss or gain in an acutely ill client is:

weight.

A nurse receives her client care assignment. Following the report, she should give priority assessment to the client:

who, following a kidney transplant, has returned from hemodialysis with a sodium level of 110 mEq/L and a potassium level of 2.0 mEq/L.

Which of the following causes should the nurse suspect in a client diagnosed with intrarenal failure?

Glomerulonephritis

The nurse recognizes which condition as an integumentary manifestation of chronic renal failure?

Gray-bronze skin color

A client is diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and requires teaching on the management of the disorder. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

"As long as I have one normal kidney, I should be fine."

The client with polycystic kidney disease asks the nurse, "Will my kidneys ever function normally again?" The best response by the nurse is:

"As the disease progresses, you will most likely require renal replacement therapy."

A client with end-stage renal disease is scheduled to undergo a kidney transplant using a sibling donated kidney. The client asks if immunosuppressive drugs can be avoided. Which is the best response by the nurse?

"Even a perfect match does not guarantee organ success."

After teaching a group of students about how to perform peritoneal dialysis, which statement would indicate to the instructor that the students need additional teaching?

"It is appropriate to warm the dialysate in a microwave."

A client with chronic renal failure comes to the clinic for a visit. During the visit, he complains of pruritus. Which suggestion by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"Keep your showers brief, patting your skin dry after showering."

An investment banker with chronic renal failure informs the nurse of the choice for continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis. Which is the best response by the nurse?

"This type of dialysis will provide more independence."

A client with newly diagnosed renal cancer is questioning why detection was delayed. Which is the best response by the nurse?

"Very few symptoms are associated with renal cancer."

Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) has been prescribed for a client with chronic renal failure. The physician has prescribed Renagel 800 mg orally three times per day with meals to treat the client's hyperphosphatemia. The medication is available in 400 mg tablets. How many tablets per day will the nurse administer to the client?

6

The nurse is reviewing the potassium level of a patient with kidney disease. The results of the test are 6.5 mEq/L, and the nurse observes peaked T waves on the ECG. What priority intervention does the nurse anticipate the physician will order to reduce the potassium level?

Administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate [Kayexalate])

A patient with chronic kidney failure experiences decreased levels of erythropoietin. What serious complication related to those levels should the nurse assess for when caring for this client?

Anemia

The nurse provides care for a client who is postoperative for a nephrectomy. The client reports breathing difficulty related to incisional pain and restricted positioning. Which measure(s) should the nurse include in the updated care plan to relieve this client's distress? Select all that apply.

Help the client to breathe deeply and cough every 2 hours. Provide firm support for the incision when the client coughs.

A client with chronic renal failure (CRF) is admitted to the urology unit. Which diagnostic test results are consistent with CRF?

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 100 mg/dL and serum creatinine 6.5 mg/dL

The presence of prerenal azotemia is a probable indicator for hospitalization for CAP. Which of the following is an initial laboratory result that would alert a nurse to this condition?

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)-to-creatinine ratio (BUN:Cr) >20.

A client is experiencing acute glomerulonephritis. Which assessment finding by the nurse is most important in determining the severity of the client's condition?

Blurred vision

The client with chronic renal failure complains of intense itching. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further nursing education?

Brief, hot daily showers

An athlete is thought to have sustained an injury to a kidney. The ER nurse caring for the client reviews the initial orders written by the primary health care provider and notes an order to collect all voided urine and send it to the laboratory for analysis. The nurse understands that this nursing intervention is important for what reason?

Hematuria is the most common manifestation of renal trauma and blood losses may be microscopic, so laboratory analysis is essential.

Patient education regarding a fistulae or graft includes which of the following? Select all that apply.

Check daily for thrill and bruit. Avoid compression of the site. No IV or blood pressure taken on extremity with dialysis access. No tight clothing

Diet modifications are part of nutritional therapy for the management of ARF. Select the high-potassium food that should be restricted.

Citrus fruits

The client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find?

Cola-colored urine

When caring for the patient with acute glomerulonephritis, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse anticipate?

Cola-colored urine

The nurse cares for a client after extensive abdominal surgery. The client develops an infection that is treated with IV gentamicin. After 4 days of treatment, the client develops oliguria, and laboratory results indicate azotemia. The client is diagnosed with acute tubular necrosis and transferred to the ICU. The client is hemodynamically stable. Which dialysis method would be most appropriate for the client?

Hemodialysis

During the diuresis period of acute kidney injury (AKI), the nurse should observe the client closely for what complication?

Dehydration

The nurse expects which of the following assessment findings in the client in the diuretic phase of acute renal failure?

Dehydration

The client with chronic kidney disease is exhibiting signs of anemia. Which is the best nursing rationale for this symptom?

Diminished erythropoietin production

A client is in end-stage chronic renal failure and is being added to the transplant list. The nurse explains to the client how donors are found for clients needing kidneys. Which statement is accurate?

Donors are selected from compatible living or deceased donors.

A nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of risk for ineffective breathing pattern related to incisional pain and restricted positioning for a client who has had a nephrectomy. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Encourage use of incentive spirometer every 2 hours.

A nurse is assessing a client with acute renal failure. What medications should the nurse identify as a nephrotoxic drug? Select all that apply.

Gentamycin Tobramycin Neomycin

A client with chronic kidney disease becomes confused and reports abdominal cramping, racing heart rate, and numbness of the extremities. The nurse relates these symptoms to which lab value?

Hyperkalemia

A client with chronic kidney disease reports generalized bone pain and tenderness. Which assessment finding would alert the nurse to an increased potential for the development of spontaneous bone fractures?

Hyperphosphatemia

A client has end-stage renal failure. Which of the following should the nurse include when teaching the client about nutrition to limit the effects of azotemia?

Increase carbohydrates and limit protein intake.

What is a characteristic of the intrarenal category of acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Increased BUN

What is a characteristic of the intrarenal category of acute renal failure?

Increased BUN

The nurse is caring for a client with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the oliguric phase. Which is a priority for the nurse to monitor indicating fluid overload? Select all that apply.

Jugular vein distention Crackles Hypertension

The nurse helps a client to correctly perform peritoneal dialysis at home. The nurse must educate the client about the procedure. Which educational information should the nurse provide to the client?

Keep the dialysis supplies in a clean area, away from children and pets

The nurse is caring for a patient in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). What does the nurse know would be the daily urine output?

Less than 400 mL

For a client in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure (ARF), which nursing intervention is the most important?

Limiting fluid intake

A client recovering from hepatitis B develops acute nephrotic syndrome. Which treatment will the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

Methylprednisolone

A client, aged 75, is diagnosed with a renal disease and administered nephrotoxic drugs in normal doses. The nurse is aware that it is important to observe the client closely for any changes in renal status. Which of the following measures may help a nurse determine a change in renal status?

Observing the client's urinary output.

A group of students are reviewing the phases of acute renal failure. The students demonstrate understanding of the material when they identify which of the following as occurring during the second phase?

Oliguria

The nurse cares for a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). The client is experiencing an increase in the serum concentration of urea and creatinine. The nurse determines the client is experiencing which phase of AKI?

Oliguria

Which period of acute renal failure is accompanied by an increase in the serum concentration of substances usually excreted by the kidneys?

Oliguria

When assessing the impact of medications on the etiology of acute renal failure, the nurse recognizes which of the following as the drug that is not nephrotoxic?

Penicillin

What is a hallmark of the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome?

Proteinuria

A nurse is reviewing the history of a client who is suspected of having glomerulonephritis. Which of the following would the nurse consider significant?

Recent history of streptococcal infection

A patient has been diagnosed with postrenal failure. The nurse reviews the patient's electronic health record and notes a possible cause. Which of the following is the possible cause?

Renal calculi

A client with renal failure is undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Which nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate for this client?

Risk for infection

The nurse treats a client with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The nurse is concerned that the client is developing renal osteodystrophy. Upon review of the client's laboratory values, it is noted the client has had a calcium level of 11 mg/dL for the past 3 days and the phosphate level is 5.5 mg/dL. The nurse anticipates the administration of which medication?

Sevelamer hydrochloride

What is used to decrease potassium level seen in acute renal failure?

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a nephrectomy. Which assessment finding is most important in determining nursing care for the client?

SpO2 at 90% with fine crackles in the lung bases

A client is admitted with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. His blood pressure on admission is 74/30 mm Hg. The client is oliguric and his blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are elevated. The physician will most likely write an order for which treatment?

Start IV fluids with a normal saline solution bolus followed by a maintenance dose.

The nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for a 54-year-old male client, admitted with chest pain, who has an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the left arm for hemodialysis secondary to chronic kidney disease.

Take blood pressure readings in the left arm --Contraindicated Auscultate for a bruit over AV fistula every 8 hours --Indicated Assess for redness, swelling, and drainage at AV fistula site.--Indicated Use AV fistula site to draw blood. --Contraindicated Palpate for a thrill over the AV fistula every 8 hours.--Indicated Wrap the AV fistula site in the left arm with a compression dressing. --Contraindicated

Hyperkalemia is a serious side effect of acute renal failure. Identify the electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing that is diagnostic for hyperkalemia.

Tall, peaked T waves

A client has undergone a renal transplant and returns to the health care agency for a follow-up evaluation. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing rejection?

Tenderness over transplant site

A client has undergone a renal transplant and returns to the health care agency for a follow-up evaluation. Which finding would lead to the suspicion that the client is experiencing rejection?

Tenderness over transplant site

The nurse is providing supportive care to a client receiving hemodialysis in the management of acute kidney injury. Which statement from the nurse best reflects the ability of the kidneys to recover from acute kidney injury?

The kidneys can improve over a period of months.

A patient is placed on hemodialysis for the first time. The patient complains of a headache with nausea and begins to vomit, and the nurse observes a decreased level of consciousness. What does the nurse determine has happened?

The patient is experiencing a cerebral fluid shift.

The nurse performs acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis (PD) on a client who is experiencing uremic signs and symptoms. The peritoneal fluid is not draining as expected. What is the best response by the nurse?

Turn the client from side to side.

A client with chronic renal failure (CRF) has developed faulty red blood cell (RBC) production. The nurse should monitor this client for:

fatigue and weakness.

A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been receiving erythropoietin injections as prescribed. Which outcome would indicate to the nurse that this medication has been effective?

higher energy levels