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 provides a balanced and realistic outlook for the patient. Acute kidney injury can be reversible with appropriate treatment and management. Recovery time varies, and it may take several months for the kidneys to regain function. Option A is incorrect as it inaccurately states kidney injury is always permanent. Option B is incorrect as kidney function returning within 2 weeks is not typical in cases of acute kidney injury. Option C is incorrect as increased urination is not a definitive indicator of kidney recovery. Thus, option D is the best response as it offers hope for recovery while acknowledging the potential time it may take.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's lungs. In rhabdomyolysis, muscle breakdown leads to the release of myoglobin which can cause renal damage. IV fluids and mannitol are given to prevent kidney injury. Assessing the patient's lungs is important to monitor for potential complications such as pulmonary edema, a serious side effect of mannitol therapy. This assessment will help the nurse detect any signs of respiratory distress early on, allowing for prompt intervention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Assess the patient's hearing - This is not directly related to the treatment of rhabdomyolysis and mannitol administration. C: Decrease IV fluids once the diuretic has been administered - Decreasing IV fluids prematurely can lead to inadequate hydration and worsen kidney function. D: Give extra doses before giving radiological contrast agents - This is not indicated in the treatment of rhabdomyolysis and can potentially harm the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between PaCO2 and blood pH according to the principles of acid-base balance. When PaCO2 is acutely elevated, it leads to respiratory acidosis, causing the blood pH to decrease below normal levels due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide. This indicates an acidic environment in the blood. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the direct relationship between PaCO2 and blood pH, which is crucial in determining the acid-base balance in a patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Clonic seizures are characterized by rhythmic jerking movements. Step 2: Apnea is the cessation of breathing. Step 3: Generalized clonic seizures associated with apnea can lead to hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood). Step 4: Hypoxemia can result in lactic acidosis due to anaerobic metabolism. Conclusion: The correct answer is A because the patient experiencing generalized clonic seizures associated with periods of apnea is at risk for hypoxemia and subsequent lactic acidosis. Summary of other choices: B: Being alert is important but not directly related to the patient's condition. C: Base imbalance options are not relevant to the scenario provided. D: While lactic acidosis is mentioned, this choice does not directly address the association between clonic seizures, apnea, hypoxemia, and lactic acidosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the balance and regulation of internal conditions within an organism, including the input and output of substances. It ensures stability and optimal functioning. Choice A is incorrect because the balance concept is too vague and does not specifically refer to substances. Choice C, metabolic pool, is incorrect as it relates to the total amount of a substance in an organism, not the relationship between input and output. Choice D, body reserves, refers to stored resources, not the relationship between input and output.