A nurse is reviewing the BUN and creatinine levels of an older adult patient with chronic kidney disease. The nurse should anticipate which of the following findings?
BUN 8 mg/dL and creatinine 0.7 mg/dL
BUN 45 mg/dL and creatinine 8 mg/dL
BUN 23 mg/dL and creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
BUN 10 mg/dL and creatinine 0.3 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
A BUN level of 8 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL are within normal ranges for a healthy individual without kidney disease. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), we would expect these values to be elevated due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter waste products from the blood.
Choice B reason:
A BUN level of 45 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 8 mg/dL are significantly higher than the normal range, which is consistent with impaired kidney function seen in CKD. These elevated levels indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering urea and creatinine from the blood, leading to their accumulation.
Choice C reason:
A BUN level of 23 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL could be seen in the early stages of CKD. While the creatinine level is within the normal range, the BUN level is slightly elevated, which may suggest a decline in kidney function.
Choice D reason:
A BUN level of 10 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL are both below the normal range. This is an unlikely finding for a patient with CKD, as kidney impairment typically leads to increased levels of these substances in the blood.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hemodialysis does not typically result in a significant decrease in RBC count. While there can be a minimal loss of red blood cells during the process, it is not the primary focus of the treatment. The main purpose of hemodialysis is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Choice B reason:
Calcium levels may vary during hemodialysis, and the treatment can be adjusted to prevent significant changes in calcium levels. Hemodialysis can remove some calcium from the blood, but it is usually not the most affected value, and calcium can be added to the dialysate solution if necessary.
Choice C reason:
Potassium is one of the primary electrolytes removed during hemodialysis. High levels of potassium, which can be life-threatening, are commonly seen in clients with renal failure. Hemodialysis effectively reduces high potassium levels, which is crucial for preventing complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason:
Protein levels are not directly targeted by hemodialysis, and significant protein loss is not a usual outcome of the treatment. The dialysis membrane is designed to allow smaller molecules like urea and potassium to pass through while retaining larger molecules like proteins.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Purulent drainage at the intravenous site access site would indicate a more severe infection, possibly grade 3 or 4 on the Infusion Nurses Society's phlebitis scale. This would be associated with more advanced symptoms such as pus formation, which is not characteristic of grade 1 phlebitis.
Choice B reason:
Redness at the intravenous access site with pain is indicative of grade 1 phlebitis according to the Infusion Nurses Society's phlebitis scale. This grade is characterized by erythema and possible pain at the site of the IV insertion, without more severe symptoms such as swelling or streak formation.
Choice C reason:
Red streaks on the affected extremity suggest a progression of the inflammatory response, potentially indicating a higher grade of phlebitis, such as grade 2 or 3. This symptom suggests that the inflammation is spreading along the vein, which is more serious than grade 1 phlebitis.
Choice D reason:
A palpable venous cord in the affected extremity would also suggest a more severe form of phlebitis, likely grade 3. This occurs when a thrombus forms along with inflammation of the vein, leading to a palpable cord-like structure.