Question

The nurse is caring for a client with a history of polycystic kidney disease. Which complaint by the client should alert the nurse to a possible complication of PKD? A. Abdominal tenderness B. Severe headache C. Dull flank pain D. Nighttime voiding

Short answer

Answer: B. Severe headache

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A (Abdominal tenderness)

Abdominal tenderness could indicate an enlarged kidney due to the cysts in PKD, or it could be related to kidney stones. However, it may not necessarily point towards a significant complication of PKD and could be a regular symptom.

Evaluate Option B (Severe headache)

Severe headaches are not a direct symptom of PKD in most cases. However, one of the significant complications of PKD is intracranial aneurysms or a weakness in the blood vessels in the brain. A severe headache can be a sign of a ruptured aneurysm, which may need immediate intervention. Thus, in the context of the question, this could alert the nurse to a possible complication of PKD.

Evaluate Option C (Dull flank pain)

Dull flank pain can be a common symptom of PKD, mainly caused by the enlarged kidneys. While it can be uncomfortable for the patient, it may not necessarily indicate a significant complication of PKD.

Evaluate Option D (Nighttime voiding)

Nighttime voiding is a relatively common occurrence in people with kidney problems, including PKD. However, it does not necessarily point towards a significant complication of PKD.

Finalize Answer

After evaluating all options, we can conclude that option B (Severe headache) is the most likely to alert the nurse to a possible complication of polycystic kidney disease, as it could be a sign of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Severe headache.