A nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results from a client who has prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Hypophosphatemia is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. It may occur in other conditions such as refeeding syndrome or chronic alcoholism but is not a hallmark of acute kidney injury. Choice B reason: Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in prerenal AKI due to reduced renal perfusion and impaired excretion of potassium. As kidney function declines, potassium accumulates in the blood, posing a risk for cardiac arrhythmias and requiring prompt intervention. Choice C reason: Hypernatremia may occur in some cases of volume depletion, but it is less consistent and not a primary feature of prerenal AKI. More commonly, patients may present with hyponatremia due to fluid shifts or dilutional effects. Choice D reason: Hypercalcemia is not typically seen in prerenal AKI. It is more commonly associated with malignancy, hyperparathyroidism, or excessive calcium intake. In AKI, calcium levels may be normal or decreased due to impaired vitamin D metabolism.