Nursing Quiz On Renal Fluids

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances can have significant effects on both the kidneys and the heart. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. When there is an alteration in these levels, it can lead to renal problems such as decreased urine output or kidney failure. Additionally, electrolyte imbalances can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to cardiac problems such as arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is true that fluid and electrolyte alterations can cause both renal and cardiac problems for patients.

Loop diuretics, such as Lasix, are known to increase the excretion of potassium in the urine. Therefore, when a patient is taking loop diuretics, it is important to monitor their potassium levels. Low potassium levels, known as hypokalemia, can lead to various complications such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest. Monitoring potassium levels allows healthcare professionals to detect any abnormalities and take appropriate measures to prevent potential complications.

Urine output is the best indicator of renal function in a postoperative patient because it reflects the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and regulate fluid balance. A decrease in urine output may indicate impaired renal function, such as acute kidney injury or renal failure. Monitoring urine output is a crucial parameter in assessing renal function and ensuring proper postoperative care. Hemoglobin levels, anesthesia time, and level of consciousness are not direct indicators of renal function and may not provide an accurate assessment of kidney health.

Creatinine is the most indicative laboratory value of a renal alteration. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are not effectively filtering and excreting this waste product. Therefore, an increase in creatinine levels suggests a renal alteration or dysfunction. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is another laboratory value that can indicate renal function, but creatinine is considered to be a more specific and accurate indicator. HGB (Hemoglobin) and BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) are not directly related to renal function.

In a post-operative heart patient, an acceptable amount of urine per hour is 30 mL. This measurement is important as it indicates proper kidney function and hydration status. Adequate urine output is necessary to ensure the removal of waste products and maintain fluid balance in the body. Monitoring urine output is particularly crucial in post-operative patients as it helps detect any potential complications, such as kidney dysfunction or inadequate fluid intake.

The filtering center of the kidney is not the Loop of Henle. The Loop of Henle is a part of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. The main filtering center of the kidney is actually the glomerulus, which is located in the renal corpuscle. The glomerulus filters waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then further processed and reabsorbed or excreted in the Loop of Henle and other parts of the nephron.

Hyperventilating is the earliest sign of the body correcting an acid/base imbalance because it helps to rapidly decrease the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which in turn increases the pH and reduces acidity. This compensatory mechanism aims to restore the acid-base balance by eliminating excess carbon dioxide through increased breathing. Hyperventilation is a common response to respiratory acidosis, where there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, and it helps to restore normal pH levels.

Chronic glomerulonephritis is a primary glomerular disease because it is characterized by inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. This condition is not secondary to another underlying disease or condition, unlike the other options listed. Diabetic glomerulopathy is a secondary glomerular disease that occurs as a complication of diabetes. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome are also secondary glomerular diseases caused by autoimmune disorders and bacterial infections, respectively.

This ABG represents respiratory acidosis. The pH value of 7.29 indicates acidity, which is lower than the normal range of 7.35-7.45. The CO2 value of 30 indicates that there is an increase in carbon dioxide levels, suggesting that the respiratory system is not adequately eliminating carbon dioxide from the body. The HCO3 value of 23 falls within the normal range, indicating that there is no compensation from the kidneys. Therefore, the primary acid/base alteration in this ABG is respiratory acidosis.

An older patient with a weakened urinary sphincter is at risk of skin irritation. The weakened urinary sphincter can lead to urinary incontinence, causing urine to come into contact with the skin. Prolonged exposure to urine can irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort. It is important to keep the skin clean and dry to prevent skin irritation in these patients. Kidney failure, bladder distention, and urinary retention are not directly related to a weakened urinary sphincter and do not pose a risk of skin irritation.