A nurse is assessing a client who has end-stage kidney disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Bradypnea: Clients with end-stage kidney disease are more likely to experience Kussmaul respirations (rapid, deep breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis by exhaling excess carbon dioxide. Bradypnea is not a typical finding in renal failure and would indicate a different respiratory issue. B. Oliguria: As kidney function declines, urine output decreases because the kidneys lose their ability to filter and excrete waste products effectively. Oliguria, or markedly reduced urine output, is a hallmark of end-stage renal disease and contributes to fluid overload. C. Anemia: The kidneys normally produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. In end-stage kidney disease, decreased erythropoietin production leads to anemia, resulting in fatigue, pallor, and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. D. Hypotension: Clients with kidney failure often experience hypertension rather than hypotension due to fluid retention and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Hypotension would be more characteristic of acute volume depletion, not chronic renal failure. E. Edema: Impaired kidney function causes sodium and water retention, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues. Peripheral and periorbital edema are common manifestations of end-stage kidney disease due to reduced excretion of excess fluid.