Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because renal dysfunction is a common issue in critically ill patients due to factors like sepsis or hypoperfusion. This affects nearly two thirds of patients, leading to potential complications.
Choice A is incorrect as renal dysfunction is common, not rare.
Choice C is incorrect as mortality rates can still be high even with renal replacement therapy.
Choice D is incorrect as renal dysfunction can significantly impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in critically ill patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ADH deficiency. Diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive urine production and thirst. ADH is responsible for regulating water reabsorption in the kidneys. When ADH levels are low or absent, the kidneys cannot concentrate urine effectively, resulting in excessive urine output.

Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: ADH excess would not lead to diabetes insipidus, as it would result in increased water reabsorption and concentrated urine.
C: ADH insensitivity refers to a condition where the body does not respond to ADH, but it does not cause diabetes insipidus.
D: ADH replacement therapy is actually a treatment for diabetes insipidus, not a mechanism for its development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: assess the patient's lungs. The discrepancy between intake, output, and weight gain indicates a potential fluid imbalance. By assessing the patient's lungs, the nurse can identify signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or difficulty breathing, which could explain the weight gain and imbalance. This step is crucial in determining the underlying cause and guiding further interventions. Drawing a trough level (
A) or inserting an indwelling catheter (
D) are not necessary at this point and may not address the immediate issue. Placing the patient on fluid restriction (
B) should only be considered after a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the imbalance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “Recovery is possible, but it may take several months.” This response is the best because acute kidney injury can be reversible with appropriate management, and recovery may take time. It is important to provide hope and encouragement to the patient.

A: “Unfortunately, kidney injury is not reversible; it is permanent.” - This is incorrect as acute kidney injury can be reversible with timely intervention and proper treatment.

B: “Kidney function usually returns within 2 weeks.” - This is incorrect because the recovery timeline varies for each individual and can take longer than 2 weeks.

C: “You will know for sure if you start urinating a lot all at once.” - This is incorrect as increased urine output may not always indicate complete recovery from acute kidney injury.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Auscultating the left arm for a bruit and palpating for a thrill post arteriovenous fistula implantation is crucial to assess the patency and functionality of the fistula. A bruit indicates turbulent blood flow, while a thrill signifies the presence of a strong pulse through the fistula. These assessments help identify any complications like stenosis or thrombosis. Drawing blood or taking blood pressures from the arm with the fistula can lead to inaccurate results or damage the fistula. Starting a new IV line in the left lower arm is unnecessary and not relevant to monitoring the arteriovenous fistula.