Final answer:
The nurse's priority assessment for a CKD patient with cardiac calcification would be to monitor cardiac function and electrolyte balance, especially potassium levels, while also preparing for possible dialysis treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has developed cardiac calcification. Upon admission, the priority assessment for the nurse would be to monitor cardiac function and electrolyte balance, especially potassium levels. The nurse should also assess for signs of fluid overload, hypertension, and other cardiovascular complications that are commonly associated with CKD.
Patients with chronic kidney disease often suffer from metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of sulfates, phosphates, and uric acid, leading to altered enzyme activity and increased excitability of cardiac and neuronal membranes. This can result in hyperkalemia and exacerbate cardiac calcification, contributing to cardiovascular disease, which individuals with CKD are more susceptible to. Vascular calcification impairs cardiac function and may lead to tertiary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy.
Furthermore, it's crucial to differentiate CKD from acute renal failure (ARF), as ARF may be reversible. Diagnostics such as abdominal ultrasound, serum creatinine levels, and specialized nuclear medicine scans are essential for proper assessment and management. The nurse, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, should focus on reviewing patient history, monitoring vital signs, and preparing for potential dialysis treatments if required.