A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has acute renal failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Hypokalemia: Acute renal failure typically results in impaired potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia. Low potassium is not expected and would require investigation for other causes if present. B. Oliguria: Oliguria, defined as decreased urine output, is a hallmark sign of acute renal failure. The kidneys’ inability to filter and excrete waste products leads to fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and accumulation of metabolic waste, making oliguria a key finding. C. Metabolic alkalosis: Acute renal failure usually causes metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate effectively. Alkalosis is uncommon in this condition unless other factors are present. D. Hypercalcemia: Impaired renal function in acute renal failure more commonly leads to hypocalcemia due to phosphate retention and decreased vitamin D activation. Hypercalcemia is not a typical feature of acute renal failure.