A hospital client with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure has orders for measurement of her serum electrolyte levels three times per week. Which of the following statements best captures the relationship between renal failure and sodium regulation?
A) Clients with advanced renal failure are prone to hyponatremia because of impaired tubular reabsorption.
B) Renal clients often require a sodium-restricted diet to minimize the excretion load on remaining nephrons.
C) Clients with renal failure often maintain high sodium levels because of decreased excretion.
D) Restricting sodium intake helps to preserve nephron function and has the additional benefit of lowering blood pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compromised ability of the tubular nephrons to reabsorb sodium predisposes renal clients to low serum sodium levels. A sodium restriction is thus not normally indicated.

A Hospital Client with a Diagnosis of Chronic Renal Failure