Final answer:
A nurse should prioritize monitoring blood pressure levels, respiratory rate, and neurological reflexes when assessing a patient with acute renal failure, as these can provide vital information about the patient's fluid volume status, renal perfusion, and potential complications such as uremia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessing Acute Renal Failure Complications
When assessing a patient with acute renal failure complications, a nurse should prioritize the following:
- Blood pressure levels: Alterations in blood pressure can indicate changes in fluid volume status and renal perfusion.
- Respiratory rate: Assess for changes due to fluid overload or metabolic acidosis that can affect the respiratory system.
- Neurological reflexes: Monitoring for changes in mental status or the presence of seizures that can be associated with uremia.
- Skin temperature: While not a primary concern in renal failure, it could offer additional information about the patient's overall condition.
Symptoms of kidney failure such as metabolic acidosis, heart arrhythmias, uremia, and oliguria are also critical to monitor in patients with acute renal failure.