During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, for which abnormal finding would the nurse monitor in the client?

During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, for which abnormal finding would the nurse monitor in the client?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Hyperphosphatemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Answer: (B)

During the oliguric phase, the kidneys drastically reduce urine output, so they can’t excrete phosphorus properly. Phosphate accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperphosphatemia. This is a direct reflection of the kidneys’ impaired ability to clear phosphate, which is why hyperphosphatemia is the abnormal finding to monitor in this phase. The elevated phosphate can also contribute to a drop in calcium levels and other downstream issues, but the key concern tied to this phase is the retention of phosphate due to decreased excretion. While other abnormalities like temperature changes or sodium imbalances can occur, the most characteristic and monitor-worthy change in this stage is elevated phosphate.

During the oliguric phase, the kidneys drastically reduce urine output, so they can’t excrete phosphorus properly. Phosphate accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperphosphatemia. This is a direct reflection of the kidneys’ impaired ability to clear phosphate, which is why hyperphosphatemia is the abnormal finding to monitor in this phase. The elevated phosphate can also contribute to a drop in calcium levels and other downstream issues, but the key concern tied to this phase is the retention of phosphate due to decreased excretion. While other abnormalities like temperature changes or sodium imbalances can occur, the most characteristic and monitor-worthy change in this stage is elevated phosphate.