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A nurse is caring for a client undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease. The client reports muscle cramps and tingling in their hands. Which medication should the nurse plan to administer?

a. Calcium supplements
b. Erythropoietin
c. Furosemide
d. Phosphate binders

User PFranchise
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should administer calcium supplements to the client undergoing hemodialysis who reports muscle cramps and tingling in their hands, as these symptoms are indicative of hypocalcemia related to kidney disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The muscle cramps and tingling in the hands reported by the client undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease are symptoms that may indicate hypocalcemia, which can occur due to reduced calcium absorption and increased phosphorus retention associated with kidney failure. The hormone calcitriol, which the kidneys secrete, is responsible for stimulating calcium uptake in the intestines. When the kidneys fail, they can't produce enough calcitriol, potentially leading to low calcium levels in the blood.

Given the client's symptoms and the underlying issues related to kidney disease, the nurse would plan to administer calcium supplements to address hypocalcemia. Calcium supplementation can help relieve muscle cramps and tingling by raising blood calcium levels. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client's phosphate levels as well, as hyperphosphatemia can be associated with hypocalcemia. Other medications such as erythropoietin, furosemide, and phosphate binders serve different purposes and are not the primary choice for treating these symptoms.

Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells and would not be directly used to treat hypocalcemia-related symptoms. Furosemide is a diuretic and would not address calcium levels. Phosphate binders might be used in conjunction with calcium supplements to control phosphate levels but would not be the primary treatment for the symptoms described.

User Singularhum
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