Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Which of the following ietary habits increases the client's risk for dysrhythmias??

a.Consuming a diet low in fat
b.Eating a diet rich in potassium
c.Consuming a diet rich in protein
d.Eating a diet deficient in iron

Answer 1

Eating a diet rich in potassium increases a client with end-stage kidney disease's risk for dysrhythmias due to the development of hyperkalemia, which can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and affect muscle and nervous system function.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) would find that the dietary habit increasing the client's risk for dysrhythmias is eating a diet rich in potassium. This is because in ESKD, potassium accumulates in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia, leading to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia can also impair the function of skeletal muscles and the nervous system, possibly resulting in mental confusion and weakened respiratory muscles.

Hyperkalemia results from increased dietary intake of potassium, where it accumulates in the extracellular fluid (ECF) in high concentrations. This can cause partial depolarization of cardiac cells, potentially preventing the heart from relaxing after a contraction and thus stopping its pumping action, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is critical for individuals with ESKD to manage potassium intake to maintain proper electrolyte balance and prevent heart arrhythmias.