During hemodialysis, a client with chronic kidney disease develops headache, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. After notifying the health care provider, which action by the nurse is most ap-propriate?
a. Administer a bolus of dextrose solution.
b. Draw blood for sodium and potassium.
c. Order a blood urea nitrogen level stat.
d. Prepare to administer phenytoin (Dilantin),
D
Headache, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness may be signs of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. Rapid decreases in fluid and in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level can cause cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Early recognition and treatment of this syndrome are es-sential for preventing a life-threatening situation. Treatment includes administration of anticon-vulsants (Dilantin) or barbiturates. Dextrose is not used to treat disequilibrium syndrome, and sodium and potassium levels are not helpful because the symptoms are related to changes in urea levels and increased intracranial pressure. Obtaining the BUN would provide useful information; however, it is more important to treat the problem.
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