A diabetic patient with renal failure has been admitted to your unit. What is the most life-threatening effect of renal failure you will monitor for?
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 described previously. 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, the accumulation of wastes, and lack of blood pressure control are complications associated with renal failure, but do not have same level of threat to the patient's well-being as hyperkalemia.
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