What should a nurse monitor most closely in clients receiving treatment for acute kidney injury?

In the context of acute kidney injury (AKI), it is crucial for the nurse to monitor serum potassium levels closely. AKI can result in decreased kidney function, which significantly affects the body's ability to excrete potassium. High levels of potassium, or hyperkalemia, can lead to severe cardiac complications, including arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest.

When a patient experiences AKI, the kidneys are unable to maintain proper electrolyte balance, leading to potential increases in serum potassium levels due to reduced excretion. Regular monitoring of serum potassium allows for timely intervention to manage and prevent the potentially life-threatening consequences associated with hyperkalemia.

While monitoring blood glucose, fluid intake, and hemoglobin levels is also important in the management of clients with AKI, these parameters do not pose the same level of immediate risk to cardiac health as elevated potassium levels do in this specific scenario. Therefore, focusing on serum potassium levels is of utmost priority in managing patients with acute kidney injury.