What early sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD) should a nurse expect to assess upon admitting a client?

The presence of hypertension, particularly a blood pressure reading of 168/94 mm Hg, is a common early sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. As kidney function declines, this regulation is disrupted, often leading to elevated blood pressure levels.

Hypertension can be both a cause and a consequence of CKD, creating a cycle that may exacerbate kidney damage. Identifying elevated blood pressure upon admission is critical as it can prompt further assessments and interventions to manage kidney health and overall cardiovascular risk.

In the context of CKD, increased urine output is typically not an early sign; instead, clients may experience altered urination patterns as the disease progresses. Similarly, a low-grade fever is not characteristic of CKD and may indicate a separate underlying infection or inflammatory process. Decreased fatigue levels would not be an expectation in CKD, as patients often report increased fatigue due to the accumulation of waste products in the body as kidney function declines. Recognizing hypertension as an early sign helps in monitoring and managing potential kidney-related complications effectively.