Question

Assessment findings of a patient with chronic kidney failure include a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 10 mL/min, numbness and burning sensation in the legs, and a blood urea nitrogen level (BUN) of 26 mg/dL. The nurse anticipates that which intervention will be included on the patient's plan of care?

A. Make a referral for dialysis.
B. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
C. Restrict sodium bicarbonate.
D. Provide a magnesium-containing antacid.

Answer 1

Given the patient's low glomerular filtration rate of 10 mL/min and elevated blood urea nitrogen level of 26 mg/dL, the nurse would likely include a referral for dialysis in the patient's plan of care to address the severe renal dysfunction (option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment findings of a patient with chronic kidney failure include a significantly low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 10 mL/min, symptoms such as numbness and burning sensation in the legs, and an elevated blood urea nitrogen level (BUN) of 26 mg/dL. This constellation of signs indicates severe renal dysfunction. The nurse would anticipate an intervention that addresses the declining renal function and manages the symptoms associated with kidney failure.

Given the low GFR, indicating the kidneys have severely reduced function, and the elevated BUN suggesting a high level of waste products in the blood, intervention A. Make a referral for dialysis, would likely be included in the patient's plan of care. Dialysis is a treatment that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these tasks efficiently.

Hence, the answer is option A.