A hospitalized patient is in the oliguric phase of acute renal failure. The nurse should implement which of the following?

Explanation

• During the oliguric phase of ARF, urine output is extremely low or absent. BUN and creatinine increase and electrolyte abnormalities develop. The nurse should limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload

• In the oliguric phase, patients are especially susceptible to hyperkalemia, which can have potentially fatal effects. Sodium, phosphate, and potassium are also usually restricted to prevent high levels of any of these electrolytes in the blood

• Monitoring strict I/O is important for ongoing management of the acute renal failure patient and will help guide decision making regarding dialysis, etc

• Administering laxatives is not recommended to treat fluid overload

• Dopamine was once thought to increase renal perfusion in low doses. Large clinical trials now show that a "renal dose" of dopamine is a myth

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