Reference no: EM133271980

Case study - ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

Brian Brown is a 62-year-old male admitted to the medical surgical unit with a postsurgery abdominal wound infection. His wound is being dressed daily with a wet to dry dressing. He is currently on intravenous gentamicin to treat the wound infection. Over the last 24 hours, the nursing staff has assessed Mr. Brown as being drowsy. He has complained of a headache and fatigue. Mr. Brown has dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output. Vital signs are within normal limits.

1. The nurse suspects Mr. Brown may be in acute renal failure (ARF) although he has no previous renal history. What risk factor does Mr. Brown have that puts him at increased risk for ARF?

2. List the three major categories of acute renal failure and the possible causes for each category.

3. Describe the 4 stages/phases of ARF and list an appropriate diagnosis for each stage.

The nurse communicates her concerns to the primary care provider who orders several laboratory diagnostics to determine the status of Mr. Brown's kidney function. Additionally, the primary care provider also orders labs to be drawn.

4. The nurse would expect and be most concerned about which of the following electrolyte disorders?

A. Hyponatremia

B. Hypercalcemia

C. Hypokalemia

D. Hyperkalemia

Write the rationale for your answer.

5. What medications might the nurse expect to see ordered for the treatment of this electrolyte disorder? List at least 3 potential adverse effects and nursing responsibilities for each medication that you list.

6. The nurse enters Mr. Brown's room at lunch. The nurse notes that the lunch tray consists of spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, chocolate cake, a banana, iced water, and coffee.

Which items should the nurse instruct the patient not to eat? Why?