A drug abuser was found unconscious after shooting up heroin 2 days prior. Because of the pressure placed on the hip and arm, the client has developed rhabdomyolysis. The nurse knows this can:

Question

A) Obstruct the renal tubules with myoglobin and damage tubular cells
B) Be cured by administering an anticoagulant immediately
C) Cause the kidney to develop renal stones due to stasis
D) Cause compartment syndrome in the lower extremities

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Myoglobin normally is not found in the serum or urine. It has a low molecular weight; if it escapes into the circulation, it is rapidly filtered in the glomerulus. A life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis occurs when increasing myoglobinuria levels cause myoglobin to precipitate in the renal tubules, leading to obstruction and damage to surrounding tubular cells. Myoglobinuria most commonly results from muscle trauma but may result from exertion, hyperthermia, sepsis, prolonged seizures, and alcoholism or drug abuse. Rhabdomyolysis is not cured with anticoagulation administration nor does it cause kidney stones. Compartment syndrome occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to muscles and nerves due to increased pressure within one of the body's compartments.