In a patient with renal failure, what should the nurse monitor for closely?

In a patient with renal failure, close monitoring of potassium levels is crucial because the kidneys play a vital role in regulating potassium balance in the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may struggle to excrete excess potassium, leading to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). Hyperkalemia can have serious consequences, including life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, so it is essential for the nurse to keep a vigilant eye on potassium levels to prevent such complications.

While monitoring calcium, sodium, and magnesium levels is also important in renal failure—due to potential imbalances and associated complications—the immediate concern in this context revolves around potassium. High potassium levels can significantly impact heart rhythm and overall cardiopulmonary stability, hence the prioritization of monitoring potassium in this scenario.