A nurse is caring for a female client at risk for renal failure and has reviewed the latest lab results. Which assessment finding warrants further action?

A nurse is caring for a female client at risk for renal failure and has reviewed the latest lab results. Which assessment finding warrants further action?

• A. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L)
• B. Hematocrit 38% (0.38)
• C. Potassium levels of 5.2 mEq/L (5.2 mmol/L)
• D. BUN of 15 mg/dL (5.35 mmol/L)

Answer: (C)

Potassium balance is tightly controlled by the kidneys, so when renal function is impaired, even small increases in serum potassium can become dangerous. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is above the normal range (roughly 3.5–5.0) and signals hyperkalemia, which in a patient at risk for renal failure can quickly lead to dangerous changes in heart rhythm. That potential for life-threatening arrhythmias is why this finding warrants further action right away. The other values don’t indicate an immediate red flag in this context: a hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and hematocrit of 38% are within normal limits for an adult female and don’t point to acute anemia; a BUN of 15 mg/dL is not elevated, so it doesn’t by itself suggest worsening renal function. The elevated potassium stands out as the urgent concern requiring assessment and management, including monitoring and interventions to lower serum potassium as indicated.

Potassium balance is tightly controlled by the kidneys, so when renal function is impaired, even small increases in serum potassium can become dangerous. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is above the normal range (roughly 3.5–5.0) and signals hyperkalemia, which in a patient at risk for renal failure can quickly lead to dangerous changes in heart rhythm. That potential for life-threatening arrhythmias is why this finding warrants further action right away.

The other values don’t indicate an immediate red flag in this context: a hemoglobin of 12 g/dL and hematocrit of 38% are within normal limits for an adult female and don’t point to acute anemia; a BUN of 15 mg/dL is not elevated, so it doesn’t by itself suggest worsening renal function. The elevated potassium stands out as the urgent concern requiring assessment and management, including monitoring and interventions to lower serum potassium as indicated.