The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF). The client reports no bowel movement in the past 2 days. This client is at an increased risk for which of the following?
1. Hypokalemia
2. Metabolic acidosis
3. Hyperkalemia
4. Increased serum creatinine levels
3. Hyperkalemia
Rationale:
Constipation exacerbates hyperkalemia, and it is important to monitor CRF clients who already have impairment of potassium. Hypokalemia is not affected by constipation. Metabolic acidosis and serum creatinine levels may not directly correlate with a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate in the elderly and are not directly affected by constipation.
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