Get prepared for the NCLEX® with today’s question: The nurse in the intermediate care unit is caring for a client who requires hemodialysis. The nurse should provide further clarification if the client makes which statement?  

A. “Dialysis helps regulate my electrolytes.”

B. “Dialysis helps remove toxins from my body.”

C. “Dialysis may lower my blood pressure.”

D. “Dialysis helps my kidneys produce erythropoietin.”  
Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…

D. “Dialysis helps my kidneys produce erythropoietin.” 

Rationale: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Dialysis does not aid in producing erythropoietin.  

Major Takeaway

Dialysis is a type of kidney replacement therapy that removes toxic byproducts of protein metabolism, like urea, uric acid, and creatinine; waste products from the blood; as well as excess fluid using the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and ultrafiltration. When excess fluid is removed, blood pressure may decrease. Additionally, through dialysis, electrolyte levels and acid-base imbalances can be corrected. Dialysis does not help the kidneys produce erythropoietin. 

Dialysis / Kidney Replacement Therapy / Removes: Toxic byproducts of protein metabolism / e.g., urea, uric acid, creatinine / Waste products from blood / Excess fluid / Electrolyte levels and acid-base imbalance corrected

Incorrect answer explanations

A. “Dialysis helps regulate my electrolytes.”

Rationale:
 Dialysis helps regulate electrolytes by balancing fluid and electrolyte levels in the body using diffusion, osmosis, and ultrafiltration.

B. “Dialysis helps remove toxins from my body.”

Rationale:
 Dialysis helps remove toxic byproducts of protein metabolism, like urea, and waste products from the body.

C. “Dialysis may lower my blood pressure.”

Rationale:
 Dialysis may decrease blood pressure in the body by removing excess fluid, which lowers blood volume, decreases cardiac output, and decreases systemic vascular resistance.

Want to learn more about this topic?

Watch the Osmosis video: Dialysis care: Nursing

Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis by Elsevier today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *