A diabetic patient has been admitted with renal failure. The nurse will monitor for the most life-threatening effect of renal failure which is the:
A) Accumulation of wastes
B) Retention of potassium
C) Depletion of calcium
D) Lack of blood pressure control
Ans: B
Feedback: Retention of potassium is the most life-threatening effect of renal failure. Aldosterone causes the kidney to excrete potassium, in contrast to aldosterone's effects on sodium. Acid-base balance, the amount of dietary potassium intake, and the flow rate of the filtrate in the distal tubule also influence the amount of potassium secreted into the urine. Hypocalcemia is a complication associated with renal failure but does not threaten the patient's well-being to the same degree as hyperkalemia.
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