The nurse is caring for a patient with acute kidney injury who is being treated with hemodialysis. The patient asks if he will need dialysis for the rest of his life. Which of the following would be the best response?

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atrial fibrillation. In thyroid storm, excess thyroid hormone levels can lead to increased sympathetic activity, causing tachycardia and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is common in thyroid storm due to the hypermetabolic state and increased risk of atrial arrhythmias. Other choices are incorrect: B (Idioventricular rhythm) is not typically associated with thyroid storm, C (Junctional rhythm) is less likely since atrial arrhythmias are more common, and D (Sinus bradycardia) is unlikely due to the hypermetabolic state causing tachycardia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased reflexes. In myxedema coma, a severe form of hypothyroidism, patients often present with decreased mental status, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Decreased reflexes are a common neurological manifestation due to the slowing of metabolic processes and the central nervous system depression associated with this condition. Hyperthermia (B) is not typically seen in myxedema coma, as patients usually have low body temperature. Hyperventilation (C) is also unlikely, as respiratory depression is more common. Tachycardia (D) is incorrect because bradycardia is more characteristic of myxedema coma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because peritoneal dialysis uses the patient's own semipermeable membrane, the peritoneal membrane, to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This membrane allows for the exchange of fluids and solutes, making it an effective method for dialysis. A is incorrect because peritoneal dialysis can be used for acute kidney injury. C is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis can address drug overdose and electrolyte imbalance by removing toxins and balancing electrolytes. D is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis can be used in cases of water intoxication by helping to remove excess fluid from the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. This syndrome occurs when there is a rapid shift in electrolytes, especially in the brain, due to the removal of waste products during hemodialysis. The symptoms of headache, nausea, and confusion align with this syndrome as the brain struggles to adjust to the changes. Dialyzer membrane incompatibility (A) is unlikely as it typically presents with allergic reactions, not neurological symptoms. A shift in potassium levels (B) may cause symptoms like muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat, not headache and confusion. Hypothermia (D) would present with low body temperature, shivering, and confusion, but in this case, the symptoms are more indicative of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because acute kidney injury from postrenal etiology is caused by obstruction of the flow of urine, leading to back pressure and damage to the kidneys. Choices B and C relate to prerenal causes, affecting renal perfusion and volume status. Choice D refers to intrinsic renal causes, directly affecting kidney tissue function, not postrenal obstruction. Therefore, A is correct due to the nature of postrenal etiology.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Serum sodium 115 mEq/L. In syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), there is excess release of ADH leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia) are characteristic of SIADH due to water retention without proportional sodium retention. Choices A and B are not indicative of SIADH. Choice D, high serum sodium, is more likely in conditions causing dehydration or excessive sodium intake.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (Blood glucose >1000 mg/dL) because diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by severe hyperglycemia. High blood glucose levels (>1000 mg/dL) are common due to insulin deficiency leading to increased glucose production. B: Negative ketones in the urine would be incorrect as DKA results in ketone production, leading to ketonuria. C: Normal anion gap would be incorrect as DKA typically presents with an elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis due to ketone accumulation. D: pH 7.24 would be incorrect as DKA would present with a lower pH due to metabolic acidosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (10 to 20 mg/dL). In conditions where the serum creatinine level is elevated (7 mg/dL in this case), the BUN level is expected to also be elevated due to impaired kidney function. BUN levels are typically around 10-20 mg/dL, so this range is the most appropriate given the elevated creatinine level. Choice A (1 to 2 mg/dL) is too low and would not be expected with a creatinine level of 7 mg/dL. Choice B (7 to 14 mg/dL) is a bit low for such a high creatinine level. Choice D (20 to 30 mg/dL) is too high as it exceeds the typical range for BUN levels. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate range based on the given information.