A patient develops ARF after receiving an IV nephrotoxic antibiotic; with 24-hour urine output 240 ml, the nurse should monitor for:

A patient develops ARF after receiving an IV nephrotoxic antibiotic; with 24-hour urine output 240 ml, the nurse should monitor for:

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Answer: (A)

Acute kidney injury from a nephrotoxic drug impairs the kidney’s ability to excrete potassium, and oliguria (24-hour output of 240 mL) confirms reduced filtration. When potassium isn’t eliminated, it accumulates in the blood, raising the risk of dangerous cardiac rhythms. Monitoring potassium levels and the ECG is essential, along with watching for symptoms like muscle weakness or numbness. While electrolyte changes can occur in kidney injury, hyperkalemia is the primary and most immediate concern in this scenario.

Acute kidney injury from a nephrotoxic drug impairs the kidney’s ability to excrete potassium, and oliguria (24-hour output of 240 mL) confirms reduced filtration. When potassium isn’t eliminated, it accumulates in the blood, raising the risk of dangerous cardiac rhythms. Monitoring potassium levels and the ECG is essential, along with watching for symptoms like muscle weakness or numbness. While electrolyte changes can occur in kidney injury, hyperkalemia is the primary and most immediate concern in this scenario.