Question

A patient is hospitalized in renal failure. Because of her kidneys' inability to excrete water, she has generalized edema & a serum sodium of 129. Because the kidneys have also lost the ability to appropriately regulate potassium, she also has a serum potassium of 5.9. These lab results show:

a. hypernatremia & hypokalemia.
b. hyperkalemia & hyponatremia.
c. hyperosmolality & hypernatremia.
d. hypoosmolality & hypocalcemia.

Answer 1

The correct answer is b. hyperkalemia & hyponatremia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to this question is: b. hyperkalemia & hyponatremia.

The patient in this scenario is experiencing renal failure, which has led to the inability of the kidneys to excrete water effectively. This has caused generalized edema and a serum sodium level of 129, indicating hyponatremia. Additionally, the kidneys have lost the ability to regulate potassium properly, resulting in a serum potassium level of 5.9, indicating hyperkalemia.

It's important to note that hyperkalemia can occur in patients with renal failure, severe dehydration, or Addison's disease due to decreased excretion of potassium by the kidneys.