Medications Matter
This synthetic thyroid hormone is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine
This lab test rises when kidney function declines and measures protein metabolism byproducts.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Before hemodialysis, what should the nurse assess at the AV fistula site?
What are Thrill and Bruit
Monitoring for hemorrhage and hypocalcemia is a priority after this surgery.
Subtotal Thyroidectomy
A client presents with extreme thirst, reports drinking 10 liters of water daily, and has urine output exceeding 250 mL per hour. Urine specific gravity is 1.002. What condition is this?
Diabetes Insipidus
This drug is a synthetic vasopressin used to treat neurogenic diabetes insipidus.
Desmopressin
This test measures how well the kidneys filter blood and is used to stage CKD.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Which electrolytes should a client with stage 4 chronic kidney disease limit to reduce the risk of complications?
What are sodium, potassium, and phosphorus?
The nurse should keep calcium gluconate available for this disorder.
Hypoparathyroidism
A 45-year-old client complains of fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and feeling cold all the time. Physical exam reveals dry skin and brittle nails. Lab results show elevated TSH and low T4. What condition is this?
Hypothyroidism
This antibiotic is first-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
A client presents with polyuria and polydipsia. The provider suspects Diabetes Insipidus. Which diagnostic test should be performed to confirm this condition?
Fluid Deprivation Test
A client with SIADH is admitted with hyponatremia. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
Restrict fluid intake and monitor serum sodium
What is the management of a hypercalcemic crisis?
•Rapid rehydration with IV isotonic saline fluids. Maintain urine output of 100 to 150 mL per hour.
•Calcitonin, Bisphosphonates, Cytotoxic agents, Dialysis.
•Monitor for fluid overload and adjust saline infusion as needed.
A client is admitted with a sudden onset of decreased urine output. The provider suspects acute renal failure. Name three common causes of acute renal failure.
prerenal causes (e.g., hypotension or hypovolemia)
intrarenal causes (e.g., nephrotoxic drugs or acute tubular necrosis)
postrenal causes (e.g., urinary tract obstruction such as BPH or renal calculi)
This medication relieves dysuria and turns urine orange.
Phenazopyridine
A client presents with tachycardia, weight loss, and exophthalmos. Hyperthyroidism is suspected. Which diagnostic imaging test is most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis?
24-hr radioactive iodine uptake scan (RAIU):
A client with hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. What preoperative nursing action helps prevent thyroid storm during surgery?
Administer antithyroid medications and iodine to achieve a euthyroid state
This intervention is used to rapidly lower potassium by shifting it into cells temporarily.
IV insulin with glucose
A 60-year-old client reports bone pain and frequent kidney stones. Labs show persistent hypercalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Imaging reveals bone demineralization. What condition is this describing?
Hyperparathyroidism
This alpha-blocker relaxes the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow in BPH.
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
A client with suspected hyperparathyroidism has bone pain and recurrent kidney stones. Which lab tests will confirm this condition?
Serum Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) levels?
A client with Addison's disease is learning about stress management. What should the nurse teach regarding medication adjustments during illness or surgery?
Increase corticosteroid dose during times of stress
This procedure is required when GFR falls below 15 mL/min and symptoms of uremia occur.
Dialysis
A client asks the nurse to explain the difference between acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. How should the nurse respond?
Acute kidney failure develops suddenly, is often reversible if treated promptly, and usually results from conditions like dehydration, sepsis, or obstruction; chronic kidney failure develops gradually over months or years, is irreversible, and often results from long-term conditions such as diabetes or hypertension