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?

Rationale: A. Hypophosphatemia is uncommon in prerenal AKI. Instead, phosphate tends to increase because the kidneys cannot excrete it effectively. B. Hypercalcemia is not typically seen in AKI. In fact, hypocalcemia is more common due to phosphate retention and reduced activation of vitamin D by the damaged kidneys. C. Hyperkalemia is a characteristic finding in acute kidney injury (AKI), including prerenal AKI, because the kidneys’ impaired perfusion and filtration lead to decreased potassium excretion. As potassium accumulates in the blood, clients are at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest, making this an urgent condition that requires close monitoring and prompt management. D. Hypernatremia is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. Instead, hyponatremia or normal sodium levels are more common due to fluid retention and dilutional effects.