Chapter 53: Assessment of Kidney and Urinary Function
When the bladder contains 300 mL or more of urine, this is referred to as a) functional capacity b) anuria. c) specific gravity d) renal clearance
functional capacity A marked sense of fullness and discomfort with a strong desire to void usually occurs when the bladder contains 350 mL or more of urine, referred to as the "functional capacity." Anuria is a total urine output of less than 50 mL in 24 hours. Specific gravity reflects the weight of particles dissolved in the urine. Renal clearance refers to the ability of the kidneys to clear solutes from the plasma.
The term used to describe painful or difficult urination is which of the following? a) Oliguria b) Anuria c) Nocturia d) Dysuria
Dysuria Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination. Oliguria is urine output less than 0.5 mL/kg/hr. Anuria is used to describe total urine output of less than 50 mL in 24 hours. Nocturia refers to awakening at night to urinate.
When fluid intake is normal, the specific gravity of urine should be which of the following? a) >1.025. b) 1.000. c) <1.010. d) 1.010 to 1.025.
1.010 to 1.025. Urine specific gravity is a measurement of the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. The specific gravity of water is 1.000. A urine specific gravity of <1.010 may indicate overhydration. A urine specific gravity >1.025 may indicate dehydration.
A nurse is assisting the physician conducting a cystogram. The client has an intravenous (IV) infusion of D5W at 40 ml/hr. The physician inserts a urinary catheter into the bladder and instills a total of 350 ml of a contrast agent. The nurse empties 500 ml from the urinary catheter drainage bag at the conclusion of the procedure. How many milliliters does the nurse record as urine?
150 The urinary drainage bag contains both the contrast agent and urine at the conclusion of the procedure. Total contents (500 ml) in the drainage bag consist of 350 ml of contrast agent and 150 ml of urine.
A female patient presents to the health clinical for a routine physical examination. The nurse observes that the patient's urine is bright yellow in color. Which of the following questions is most appropriate for the nurse to ask the patient? a) "Do you take phenytoin (Dilantin) daily?" b) "Do you take multiple vitamin preparations?" c) "Have you noticed any vaginal bleeding?" d) "Have you had a recent urinary tract infection?"
"Do you take multiple vitamin preparations?" Urine that is bright yellow is an anticipated abnormal finding in the patient taking a multiple vitamin preparation. Urine that is orange may be caused by intake of Dilantin or other medications. Orange- to amber-colored urine may also indicate concentrated urine due to dehydration or fever. Urine that is pink to red may indicate lower urinary tract bleeding. Yellow to milky white urine may indicate infection, pyuria, or, in the female patient, the use of vaginal creams.
A patient is scheduled for a test with contrast to determine kidney function. What statement made by the patient should the nurse inform the physician about prior to testing? a) "I have had a test similar to this one in the past." b) "I take medication to help me sleep at night." c) "I am allergic to shrimp." d) "I don't like needles."
"I am allergic to shrimp." The nurse should obtain the patient's allergy history with emphasis on allergy to iodine, shellfish, and other seafood, because many contrast agents contain iodine.
A client is prescribed flavoxate (Urispas) following cystoscopy. Which of the following instructions would the nurse give the client? a) "This medication will relieve your pain." b) "This medication will treat the blood in your urine." c) "This medication prevents infection in your urinary tract" d) "This medication prevents urinary incontinence."
"This medication will relieve your pain." Flavoxate (Urispas) is a antispasmodic agent used for the treatment of burning and pain of the urinary tract.
A 24-hour urine collection is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am. When should the nurse initiate the procedure? a) With the first specimen voided after 8:00 am b) After discarding the 8:00 am specimen c) At 8:00 am, with or without a specimen d) 6 hours after the urine is discarded
After discarding the 8:00 am specimen A 24-hour collection of urine is the primary test of renal clearance used to evaluate how well the kidney performs this important excretory function. The client is initially instructed to void and discard the urine. The collection bottle is marked with the time the client voided. Thereafter, all the urine is collected for the entire 24 hours. The last urine is voided at the same time the test originally began.
After undergoing renal arteriogram, in which the left groin was accessed, a client complains of left calf pain. Which intervention should the nurse perform first? a) Exercise the leg and foot. b) Assess for anaphylaxis. c) Place cool compresses on the calf. d) Assess peripheral pulses in the left leg.
Assess peripheral pulses in the left leg. The nurse should begin by assessing peripheral pulses in the left leg to determine if blood flow was interrupted by the procedure. The client may also have thrombophlebitis. Cool compresses aren't used to relieve pain and inflammation in thrombophlebitis. The leg should remain straight after the procedure. Calf pain isn't a symptom of anaphylaxis.
The nurse is providing care to a client who has had a renal (kidney) biopsy. The nurse would need to be alert for signs and symptoms of which of the following? a) Infection b) Dehydration c) Allergic reaction d) Bleeding
Bleeding Renal biopsy carries the risk of postprocedure bleeding because the kidneys receive up to 25% of the cardiac output each minute. Therefore, the nurse would need to be alert for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Although infection is also a risk, the risk for bleeding is greater. Dehydration and allergic reaction are not associated with a renal biopsy.
The nurse is caring for a patient following a cystoscopic examination. Following the procedure, the nurse informs the patient that which of the following may occur? a) Blood-tinged urine b) Diarrhea c) Nausea and emesis d) Severe abdominal pain
Blood-tinged urine Postprocedural management is directed at relieving any discomfort resulting from the examination. Some burning on voiding, blood-tinged urine, and urinary frequency from trauma to the mucous membranes can be expected. Moist heat to the lower abdomen and warm sitz baths are helpful in relieving pain and relaxing the muscles. Not eating and diarrhea are not expected following a cystoscopic examination. The patient should not experience severe abdominal pain.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a medical history of sickle cell anemia. The nurse understands this predisposes the patient to which of the following possible renal or urologic disorders? a) Kidney stone formation b) Neurogenic bladder c) Proteinuria d) Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease A medical history of sickle cell anemia predisposes the patient to the development of chronic kidney disease. The other disorders are not associated with the development of sickle cell anemia.
Which nursing assessment finding indicates the client with renal dysfunction has not met expected outcomes? a) Client reports increasing fatigue. b) Urine output is 100 ml/hr. c) Client rates pain at a 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. d) Client denies frequency and urgency.
Client reports increasing fatigue. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance are consistent with unexplained anemia, which can be secondary to gradual renal dysfunction.
The nurse is assessing a client at the diagnostic imaging center. For which diagnostic test would the client assess for an allergy to shellfish? a) Bladder ultrasonography b) Computed tomography with contrast c) Cystoscopy d) Radiography
Computed tomography with contrast The nurse is correct to assess for an allergy to shellfish most times when a contrast medium is ordered. The other options do not necessarily have a contrast medium.
The client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to find? a) Pain after voiding b) Suprapubic pain c) Costovertebal angle tenderness d) Perineal pain
Costovertebal angle tenderness Acute pyelonephritiis is characterized by costovertebal angle tenderness. Suprapubic pain is suggestive of bladder distention or infection. Urethral trauma and irritation of the bladder neck can cause pain after voiding. Perineal pain is experienced by male clients with prostate cancer or prostatitis.
Which of the following does the nurse recognize is the best clinical measure of renal function? a) Volume of urine output b) Creatinine clearance c) Urine-specific gravity d) Circulating ADH levels
Creatinine clearance Creatinine clearance is a good measure of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the amount of plasma filtered through the glomeruli per unit of time. Creatinine clearance is the best approximation of renal function. As renal function declines, both creatinine clearance and renal clearance (the ability to excrete solutes) decreases.
A patient is being seen in the clinic for possible kidney disease. What major sensitive indicator of kidney disease does the nurse anticipate the patient will be tested for? a) Creatinine clearance level b) Uric acid level c) Blood urea nitrogen level d) Serum potassium level
Creatinine clearance level Creatinine is an endogenous waste product of skeletal muscle that is filtered at the glomerulus, passed through the tubules with minimal change, and excreted in the urine. Hence, creatinine clearance is a good measure of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the amount of plasma filtered through the glomeruli per unit of time. Creatinine clearance is the best approximation of renal function. As renal function declines, both creatinine clearance and renal clearance (the ability to excrete solutes) decrease.
A client has undergone diagnostic testing that involved the insertion of a lighted tube with a telescopic lens. The nurse identifies this test as which of the following? a) Excretory urogram b) Cystoscopy c) Intravenous pyelography d) Renal angiography
Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is the visual examination of the inside of the bladder using an instrument called a cystoscope, a lighted tube with a telescopic lens. Renal angiography involves the passage of a catheter up the femoral artery into the aorta to the level of the renal vessels. Intravenous pyelography or excretory urography is a radiologic study that involves the use of a contrast medium to evaluate the kidneys' ability to excrete it.
The nurse is preparing a patient for a nuclear scan of the kidneys. Following the procedure, the nurse will instruct the patient to complete which of the following? a) Carefully handle urine as it is radioactive. b) Maintain bed rest for 2 hours. c) Drink liberal amounts of fluids. d) Notify the health care team if bloody urine is noted.
Drink liberal amounts of fluids. After the procedure is completed, the patient is encouraged to drink fluids to promote excretion of the radioisotope by the kidneys. The remaining instructions are not associated with a nuclear scan.
A client has a full bladder. Which sound would the nurse expect to hear on percussion? a) Resonance b) Dullness c) Tympany d) Flatness
Dullness Dullness on percussion indicates a full bladder; tympany indicates an empty bladder. Resonance is heard over areas that are part air and part solid, such as the lungs. Flatness is heard over very dense tissue, such as the bone or muscle.
An appropriate nursing intervention for the client following a nuclear scan of the kidney is to: a) Apply moist heat to the flank area. b) Encourage high fluid intake. c) Strain all urine for 48 hours. d) Monitor for hematuria.
Encourage high fluid intake. A nuclear scan of the kidney involves the IV administration of a radioisotope. Fluid intake is encouraged to flush the urinary tract to promote excretion of the isotope. Monitoring for hematuria, applying heat, and straining urine do not address the potential renal complications associated with the radioisotope.
Following a voiding cystogram, the client has a nursing diagnosis of risk for infection related to the introduction of bacterial following manipulation of the urinary tract. An appropriate nursing intervention for the client is to: a) Encourage high fluid intake. b) Apply moist heat to the flank area. c) Monitor for hematuria. d) Strain all urine for 48 hours.
Encourage high fluid intake. A voiding cystogram involves the insertion of a urinary catheter, which can result in the introduction of microorganism into the urinary tract. Fluid intake is encouraged to flush the urinary tract and promote removal of microorganisms. Monitoring for hematuria, applying heat, and straining urine do not address the nursing diagnosis of risk for infection.
A patient who complains of a dull, continuous pain in the suprapubic area that occurs with and at the end of voiding would most likely be diagnosed with which of the following? a) A kidney stone b) Interstitial cystitis c) Prostatic cancer d) Acute pyelonephritis
Interstitial cystitis Pain over the suprapubic area is most likely related to the bladder. Pain intensity would increase with fullness. Pain at the end of voiding is one of the symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis.
A client is scheduled for a renal angiography. Which of the following would be appropriate before the test? a) Evaluate the client for periorbital edema. b) Monitor the client for signs of electrolyte and water imbalance. c) Monitor the client for an allergy to iodine contrast material. d) Assess the client's mental changes.
Monitor the client for an allergy to iodine contrast material. A renal angiography procedure will be contraindicated if the client is allergic to iodine contrast material. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to monitor the client for an allergy to iodine contrast material. The nurse monitors the client for the signs of electrolyte and water imbalance, mental changes, and periorbital edema at any time regardless of the test being done.
Which term best describes a total urine output of less than 500 mL in 24 hours? a) Oliguria b) Dysuria c) Nocturia d) Polyuria
Oliguria Oliguria is a urine output of less than 400 mL in 24 hours. Polyuria is increased urine output. Nocturia is awakening at night to urinate. Dysuria is painful or difficult urination.
Retention of which electrolyte is the most life-threatening effect of renal failure? a) Sodium b) Potassium c) Phosphorous d) Calcium
Potassium Retention of potassium is the most life-threatening effect of renal failure.
A client is scheduled for a renal arteriogram. When the nurse checks the chart for allergies to shellfish or iodine, she finds no allergies recorded. The client is unable to provide the information. During the procedure, the nurse should be alert for which finding that may indicate an allergic reaction to the dye used during the arteriogram? a) Unusually smooth skin b) Pruritus c) Increased alertness d) Hypoventilation
Pruritus The nurse should be alert for pruritus and urticaria, which may indicate a mild anaphylactic reaction to the arteriogram dye. Decreased (not increased) alertness may occur as well as dyspnea (not hypoventilation). Unusually smooth skin isn't a sign of anaphylaxis.
The nurse is caring for a patient complaining of orange-colored urine. The nurse suspects which of the following as the cause of the urine discoloration? a) Pyridium (phenazopyridium HCl) b) Phenytoin (Dilantin) c) Infection d) Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Pyridium (phenazopyridium HCl) Orange to amber-colored urine is caused by concentrated urine due to dehydration, fever, bile, excess bilirubin or carotene, and the medications Pyridium (phenazopyridium HCl) and nitrofurantoin (Furadantin). Infection would cause yellow to milky white urine. Phenytoin (Dilantin) would cause the urine to become pink to red in color. Metronidazole (Flagyl) would cause the urine to become brown to black in color.
The nurse is reviewing the client's urinalysis results. The finding that is most suggestive of dehydration of the client is: a) Specific gravity 1.035 b) Creatinine 0.7 mg/dL c) Bright yellow urine d) Protein 15 mg/dL
Specific gravity 1.035
The nurse is reviewing the client's urinalysis results. The finding that is most suggestive of dehydration of the client is: a) Specific gravity 1.035 b) Creatinine 0.7 mg/dL c) Bright yellow urine d) Protein 15 mg/dL
Specific gravity 1.035 Specific gravity is reflective of hydration status. A concentrated specific gravity, such as 1.035, is suggestive of dehydration. Bright yellow urine suggests ingestion of mulitiple vitamins. Proteinuria can be benign or be caused by conditions which alter kidney function. Creatinine measures the ability of the kidney to filter the blood. A level of 0.7 is within normal limits.
Which nursing assessment finding indicates the client has not met expected outcomes? a) The client consumes 75% of lunch following an intravenous pyelogram. b) The client has blood-tinged urine following brush biopsy. c) The client reports a pain rating of 3 two hours post-kidney biopsy. d) The client voids 75 cc four hours post cystoscopy.
The client voids 75 cc four hours post cystoscopy. Urinary retention is an undesirable outcome following cystoscopy. A pain rating of 3 is an achieveable and expected outcome following kidney biopsy. Blood-tinged urine is an expected finding following cystoscopy due to trauma of the procedure. A client would be expected to eat and retain a meal following an intravenous pyelogram.
A group of students is reviewing for a test on the urinary and renal system. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as part of the upper urinary tract? a) Ureters b) Pelvic floor muscles c) Bladder d) Urethra
Ureters The upper urinary tract is composed of the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters. The lower urinary tract consists of the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles.
The most frequent reason for admission to skilled care facilities includes which of the following? a) Stroke b) Urinary incontinence c) Congestive heart failure d) Myocardial infarction
Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence is the most common reason for admission to skilled nursing facilities.
The term used to describe total urine output of less than 400 mL in 24 hours is a) oliguria. b) dysuria. c) anuria. d) nocturia.
oliguria. Oliguria is associated with acute and chronic renal failure. Anuria is used to describe total urine output of less than 50 mL in 24 hours. Nocturia refers to awakening at night to urinate. Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination.
A client presents to the emergency department complaining of a dull, constant ache along the right costovertebral angle along with nausea and vomiting. The most likely cause of the client's symptoms is: a) interstitial cystitis. b) an overdistended bladder. c) acute prostatitis. d) renal calculi.
renal calculi. Renal calculi usually presents as a dull, constant ache at the costovertebral angle. The client may also present with nausea and vomiting, diaphoresis, and pallor. The client with an overdistended bladder and interstitial cystitis presents with dull, continuous pain at the suprapubic area that's intense with voiding. The client also complains of urinary urgency and straining to void. The client with acute prostatitis presents with a feeling of fullness in the perineum and vague back pain, along with frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
A 30-year-old male patient presents to the clinic for an employment physical. The nurse notes protein in the patient's urine. The nurse understands that transient proteinuria can be caused by which of the following? Select all that apply. a) NSAIDs b) Strenuous exercise c) Prolonged standing d) Diabetes mellitus e) Fever
• Strenuous exercise • Prolonged standing • Fever Proteinuria may be a benign finding, or it may signify serious disease. Common benign causes of transient proteinuria are fever, strenuous exercise, and prolonged standing. Causes of persistent proteinuria include glomerular diseases, malignancies, collagen diseases, diabetes, preeclampsia, hypothyroidism, heart failure, exposure to heavy metals, and use of medications, such as drugs, NSAIDs, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
A nurse measures a patient's urinary output every 8 hours. The nurse weighs the importance of these results by comparing the normal 24-hour urinary output with the patient's condition and medication. The normal 24-hour output should be: a) 1 to 2 L/day b) 3.5 to 4 L/day c) 0.4 to 0.8 L/day d) 2.5 to 3 L/day
1 to 2 L/day The normal output of urine every 24 hours is 800 to 1,500 mL. Refer to Table 26-1 in the text. The significance of the 24-hour result will depend on the patient's medical condition.
A client in a short-procedure unit is recovering from renal angiography in which a femoral puncture site was used. When providing postprocedure care, the nurse should: a) check the client's pedal pulses frequently. b) remove the dressing on the puncture site after vital signs stabilize. c) keep the client's knee on the affected side bent for 6 hours. d) apply pressure to the puncture site for 30 minutes.
check the client's pedal pulses frequently. After renal angiography involving a femoral puncture site, the nurse should check the client's pedal pulses frequently to detect reduced circulation to the feet caused by vascular injury. The nurse also should monitor vital signs for evidence of internal hemorrhage and should observe the puncture site frequently for fresh bleeding. The client should be kept on bed rest for several hours so the puncture site can seal completely. Keeping the client's knee bent is unnecessary. By the time the client returns to the short-procedure unit, manual pressure over the puncture site is no longer needed because a pressure dressing is in place. The nurse should leave this dressing in place for several hours — and only remove it if instructed to do so.
A client is scheduled for a renal ultrasound. Which of the following would the nurse include when explaining this procedure to the client? a) "You don't need to do any fasting before this noninvasive test." b) "You'll have a pressure dressing on your groin after the test." c) "A contrast medium will be used to help see the structures better." d) "An x-ray will be done to view your kidneys, ureters, and bladder."
"You don't need to do any fasting before this noninvasive test." Renal ultrasonography identifies the kidney's shape, size, location, collecting systems, and adjacent tissues. It is not invasive, does not require the injection of a radiopaque dye, and does not require fasting or bowel preparation. An x-ray of the abdomen to view the kidneys, ureters, and bladder is called a KUB. A contrast medium is used for computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. A pressure dressing is applied to the groin after a renal arteriogram.
A patient has undergone a renal biopsy. After the test, while the patient is resting, the patient complains of severe pain in the back, arms, and shoulders. Which of the following appropriate nursing interventions should be offered by the nurse? a) Asses the patient's back and shoulder areas for signs of internal bleeding. b) Distract the patient's attention from the pain. c) Provide analgesics to the patient. d) Enable the patient to sit up and ambulate.
Asses the patient's back and shoulder areas for signs of internal bleeding. After a renal biopsy, the patient is on bed rest. The nurse observes the urine for signs of hematuria. It is important to assess the dressing frequently for signs of bleeding, monitor vital signs, and evaluate the type and severity of pain. Severe pain in the back, shoulder, or abdomen may indicate bleeding. In such a case, the nurse should notify the physician about these signs and symptoms. The nurse should also assess the client for difficulty voiding and encourage adequate fluid intake. Distracting the patient's attention, helping the patient to sit up or ambulate, and providing analgesics may only aggravate the patient's pain and, therefore, should not be performed by the nurse.
The nephrons are the functional units of the kidney, responsible for the initial formation of urine. The nurse knows that damage to the area of the kidney where the nephrons are located will affect urine formation. Identify that area. a) Renal papilla b) Renal medulla c) Renal pelvis d) Renal cortex
Renal cortex The majority of nephrons (80% to 85%) are located in the renal cortex. The remaining 15% to 20% are located deeper in the cortex.
Which of the following hormones is secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus? a) Aldosterone b) Calcitonin c) Renin d) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Renin Renin is a hormone directly involved in the control of arterial blood pressure; it is essential for proper functioning of the glomerulus. ADH, also known as vasopressin, plays a key role in the regulation of extracellular fluid by excreting or retaining water. Calcitonin regulates calcium and phosphorous metabolism.
The nurse is providing instructions to the client prior to an intravenous pyelogram. Which statement by the client indicates teaching was effective? a) "I will feel a warm sensation as the dye is injected." b) "I will need to drink all of the dye as quickly as possible." c) "I should remove all jewelry before the test." d) "I should let the staff know if I feel claustrophobic."
"I will feel a warm sensation as the dye is injected." A contrast agent is injected into the client for an intravenous pyelogram. The client may experience a feeling of warmth, flushing of the face, or taste a seafood flavor as the contrast infuses. Jewelry does not need to be removed before the procedure. Claustrophobia is not expected.
The nurse is reviewing the results of renal function studies of a patient. The nurse understands that which of the following is a normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio? a) 10:1 b) 8:1 c) 4:1 d) 6:1
10:1 A normal BUN-to-creatinine ratio is about 10:1. The other values are incorrect.
Approximately what percentage of blood passing through the glomeruli is filtered into the nephron? a) 10 b) 30 c) 20 d) 40
20 Under normal conditions, about 20% of the blood passing through the glomeruli is filtered into the nephron, amounting to about 180 liters per day of filtrate.
Renal function results may be within normal limits until the GFR is reduced to less than which percentage of normal? a) 20% b) 40% c) 50% d) 30%
50% Renal function test results may be within normal limits until the GFR is reduced to less than 50% of normal. Renal function can be assessed most accurately if several tests are performed and their results are analyzed together. Common tests of renal function include renal concentration tests, creatinine clearance, and serum creatinine and BUN (nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism) levels.
The nurse is completing a full exam of the renal system. Which assessment finding best documents the need to offer the use of the bathroom? a) The ingestion of 8 oz of water b) A dull sound when percussing over the bladder c) Tenderness over the kidneys d) Bruits noted over the abdominal area
A dull sound when percussing over the bladder A dull sound when percussing over the bladder indicates a full bladder. Because the bladder is full, the nurse would offer for the client to use the bathroom. Tenderness over the kidney can indicate an infection or stones. Bruits are an abnormal vascular sound that does not indicate the need to use the bathroom. Ingesting water does not mean that the client has to void at this time.
A 24-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency room after a water skiing accident. The X-rays revealed two fractured vertebrae, T-12 and L1. Based on this information, the nurse would know to perform which of the following actions? a) Keep the patient on bed rest for 72 hours. b) Apply moist heat, every 4 hours for the first 48 hours to aid healing. c) Place a bed board under the mattress to add support. d) Check the patient's urine for hematuria.
Check the patient's urine for hematuria. The kidneys are located from the 12th thoracic vertebrae to the third lumbar vertebrae. Therefore, the accident may have caused blunt force trauma damage to the kidneys. Ice is always applied for the first 24 hours, then heat, if not contraindicated. Activity will be restricted but bed rest is not necessary.
A 42-year-old client is being seen by a urologist in the group where you practice nursing. She is experiencing some secretion abnormalities, for which diagnostics are being performed. Which of the following substances are typically reabsorbed and not secreted in urine? a) Potassium b) Glucose c) Creatinine d) Chloride
Glucose Amino acids and glucose typically are reabsorbed and not excreted in the urine. The filtrate that is secreted as urine usually contains water, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, potassium, urea, creatinine, and uric acid.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with renal disease. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find? a) Decreased potassium b) Increased serum albumin c) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) d) Increased serum creatinine
Increased serum creatinine In clients with renal disease, the serum creatinine level would be increased. The BUN also would be increased, serum albumin would be decreased, and potassium would likely be increased.
The nurse reviews a client's history and notes that the client has a history of hyperparathyroidism. The nurse would identify that this client most likely would be at risk for which of the following? a) Neurogenic bladder b) Kidney stones c) Fistula d) Chronic renal failure
Kidney stones A client with hyperparathyroidism is at risk for kidney stones. The client with diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing chronic renal failure and neurogenic bladder. A client with radiation to the pelvis is at risk for urinary tract fistula.
The nurse is caring for a client who is brought to the emergency department after being found unconscious outside in hot weather. Dehydration is suspected. Baseline lab work including a urine specific gravity is ordered. Which relation between the client's symptoms and urine specific gravity is anticipated? a) The specific gravity will be high. b) The specific gravity will be inversely proportional c) The specific gravity will be low d) The specific gravity will equal to one
The specific gravity will be high. The nurse assesses all of the data to make an informed decision on client status. On a hot day, the client found outside will be perspiring. When dehydration occurs, a client will have low urine output and increased specific gravity of urine. Normal specific gravity is inversely proportional. The density of distilled water is one. A low specific gravity is noted in a client with high fluid intake and who is not losing systemic fluid.
The nurse is aware, when caring for patients with renal disease, that which of the following substances, made in the glomeruli, directly controls blood pressure? a) Renin b) Vasopressin c) Cortisol d) Albumin
Renin Renin is directly involved in the control of arterial blood pressure. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the glomerulus and management of the body's renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
