Question

a nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a client with acute renal failure. what are three (3) expected clinical manifestations that may be noted?

Answer 1

Nurses can expect to see clinical manifestations such as oliguria (reduced urine output), electrolyte disturbances, and uremia (high levels of urea in the blood) in patients with acute renal failure. These clinical signs, in conjunction with laboratory findings like elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, assist in diagnosing the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clinical Manifestations of Acute Renal Failure

Acute renal failure (ARF), also known as acute kidney injury, is a condition characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function. Nurses must be adept at recognizing the clinical manifestations of ARF to initiate appropriate management. Here are three expected clinical manifestations:

Oliguria: This is defined as a decreased urine output, quantified as less than 400 ml per day in adults. It is one of the hallmark signs of ARF and results from impaired kidney function.

Electrolyte disturbances: Due to impaired kidney function, patients may experience disturbances in electrolytes, such as elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) or disturbances in sodium and calcium levels, which can lead to various symptoms including muscular weakness or cardiac arrhythmias.

Uremia: An accumulation of waste products in the blood, such as urea, is indicative of ARF. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including loss of appetite, fatigue, and confusion.

These symptoms are often accompanied by elevated creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels, which are key laboratory findings for the diagnosis of ARF.