Electrolyte Imbalances
What are common symptoms of hypercalcemia?",
Fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation.
What are the clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury (AKI)?
Oliguria, elevated BUN/creatinine, fluid retention, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is the first step in developing a care plan for a patient with AKI?
Assessment of fluid status, lab values, and symptoms.
What are the indications for hemodialysis?
Severe AKI, end-stage renal disease, and toxin removal.
What is the normal range for serum creatinine?
0.6–1.2 mg/dL
Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with metabolic alkalosis?
Hypokalemia
What diagnostic tests are used to confirm pyelonephritis?
Urinalysis, urine culture, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scan.
How would you individualize care for a patient with nephrolithiasis?
Tailor pain management, hydration strategies, and dietary modifications.
What complications are associated with peritoneal dialysis?
Peritonitis, catheter infection, and fluid imbalance.
How is GFR used to assess kidney function?
It estimates filtration rate and stages kidney disease
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with severe hyperkalemia?"
Administer calcium gluconate and monitor ECG.
What is the medical management for renal calculi?
Pain control, hydration, and possible lithotripsy or surgical removal.
What nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient with fluid volume excess?
Risk for impaired gas exchange or excess fluid volume.
How does CRRT differ from traditional dialysis?
CRRT is continuous and gentler, used in critically ill patients
What does a urinalysis reveal in a patient with a UTI?
Presence of WBCs, bacteria, and nitrites.
Which lab values indicate metabolic acidosis?
Low pH, low HCO₃⁻, and normal or low PaCO₂.
What are the priority nursing interventions for a patient with a UTI?
Encourage fluid intake, administer antibiotics, and monitor for complications.
What interventions are included in a care plan for a patient with electrolyte disturbances?
Monitor labs, administer replacements, and educate patient
What are the nursing responsibilities during kidney transplantation?
Monitor for rejection, infection, and support medication adherence.
Which lab values are critical in diagnosing AKI?
Elevated BUN, creatinine, and decreased urine output.
How does impaired renal function affect acid-base balance?
It leads to accumulation of acids, causing metabolic acidosis.
Compare the pathophysiology of upper vs. lower UTIs.
Upper UTIs affect kidneys and may cause systemic symptoms; lower UTIs affect bladder/urethra and are localized.
How do you evaluate the effectiveness of a care plan for renal disorders?
Improved lab values, symptom resolution, and patient feedback.
Compare the benefits and risks of each renal replacement therapy.
Hemodialysis is efficient but invasive; peritoneal is home-based but infection-prone; CRRT is ICU-based; transplant offers long-term solution.
How do ABGs guide treatment in metabolic conditions?
They help identify acid-base imbalances and guide interventions.