What physiological change is likely causing twitching and tingling in clients with acute kidney injury?

In clients with acute kidney injury (AKI), the physiological change most likely causing symptoms such as twitching and tingling is calcium depletion. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, including calcium and phosphate levels. In cases of AKI, the impaired kidney function can lead to disturbances in these levels.

When kidney function deteriorates, the body's ability to excrete phosphate becomes compromised, often leading to hyperphosphatemia (elevated phosphate levels). High phosphate levels can subsequently lower calcium levels, leading to a state of hypocalcemia (reduced calcium levels in the blood). The nervous system is very sensitive to changes in calcium levels, and low calcium can result in neuromuscular excitability, which manifests as twitching and tingling sensations.

Understanding this relationship highlights the importance of electrolyte management in patients with AKI. Monitoring and correcting calcium levels can be vital in preventing further complications associated with neuromuscular irritability.