Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is discussing laboratory values associated with the renal system with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the values?
A. Creatinine levels are increased in clients who have acute kidney injury.
Creatinine levels rise in acute kidney injury due to impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are unable to effectively filter creatinine from the blood.
B. BUN is decreased in clients who have dehydration
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels typically increase in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion, leading to decreased urine output and increased concentration of waste products in the blood.
C. Specific gravity is decreased in clients who have hypovolemia.
Specific gravity increases in hypovolemia because urine becomes more concentrated as the body tries to conserve water.
D. Potassium levels are increased in clients who have polyuria.
Potassium levels may vary depending on the cause of polyuria, but polyuria itself does not necessarily cause hyperkalemia. It can be caused by various factors including diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Proctored Exam 8. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Creatinine levels rise in acute kidney injury due to impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are unable to effectively filter creatinine from the blood.
B. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels typically increase in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion, leading to decreased urine output and increased concentration of waste products in the blood.
C. Specific gravity increases in hypovolemia because urine becomes more concentrated as the body tries to conserve water.
D. Potassium levels may vary depending on the cause of polyuria, but polyuria itself does not necessarily cause hyperkalemia. It can be caused by various factors including diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. pH 7.45
In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be lower than normal due to an excess of carbon dioxide.
B. PaCO, 50 mm Hg
PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) would be elevated in respiratory acidosis because of inadequate ventilation leading to CO2 retention.
C. Potassium 3.3 mEq/L
Potassium levels may vary depending on other factors but are not directly related to respiratory acidosis.
D. HCO 30 mEq/L
HCO3 (bicarbonate) levels may be normal or increased compensatorily in chronic respiratory acidosis, not necessarily decreased.
Full Explanation
A. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be lower than normal due to an excess of carbon dioxide.
B. PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) would be elevated in respiratory acidosis because of inadequate ventilation leading to CO2 retention.
C. Potassium levels may vary depending on other factors but are not directly related to respiratory acidosis.
D. HCO3 (bicarbonate) levels may be normal or increased compensatorily in chronic respiratory acidosis, not necessarily decreased.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving IV furosemide. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
A. Hypernatremia
Furosemide use is more commonly associated with hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia due to its diuretic effect.
B. Hypercalcemia
Furosemide does not typically cause hypercalcemia; instead, it may lead to hypocalcemia.
C. Hyperchloremia
Hyperchloremia is not a primary concern with furosemide, as the drug can cause a loss of chloride ions alongside sodium.
D. Hyperuricemia
Furosemide can cause an increase in uric acid levels by reducing its excretion through the kidneys.
Full Explanation
A. Furosemide use is more commonly associated with hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia due to its diuretic effect.
B. Furosemide does not typically cause hypercalcemia; instead, it may lead to hypocalcemia.
C. Hyperchloremia is not a primary concern with furosemide, as the drug can cause a loss of chloride ions alongside sodium.
D. Furosemide can cause an increase in uric acid levels by reducing its excretion through the kidneys.
A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic kidney disease and a new prescription for epoetin alfa. The nurse should instruct the client to increase dietary intake of which of the following substances?
A. Sodium
Increasing sodium intake is generally not recommended in chronic kidney disease, as it can exacerbate hypertension and fluid retention.
B. Iron
Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, and iron supplementation is often necessary to support erythropoiesis.
C. Potassium
Potassium intake may need to be restricted in chronic kidney disease, especially in later stages when kidney function declines.
D. Protein
Protein intake may need to be adjusted in chronic kidney disease, but it's not directly related to the prescription of epoetin alfa.
Full Explanation
A. Increasing sodium intake is generally not recommended in chronic kidney disease, as it can exacerbate hypertension and fluid retention.
B. Epoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, and iron supplementation is often necessary to support erythropoiesis.
C. Potassium intake may need to be restricted in chronic kidney disease, especially in later stages when kidney function declines.
D. Protein intake may need to be adjusted in chronic kidney disease, but it's not directly related to the prescription of epoetin alfa.