A nurse is caring for a client who will have blood sampling for serum creatinine level and asks what this test shows. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"This test will tell your doctor how your kidneys are functioning."
"This test will tell if you have severe renal impairment or a disease."
"We'll find out if any medications, such as steroids, are interfering with your kidney function."
"You'll have to ask your doctor."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood and provides information about kidney function. Normal ranges for serum creatinine levels are 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for adult men and 0.59 to
1.04 mg/dL for adult women. This test is a common way to assess renal function and can indicate if the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively.
Choice B reason: While a serum creatinine test can indicate severe renal impairment, it does not diagnose a specific disease. Further testing would be required to determine the presence of a particular renal disease.
Choice C reason: The serum creatinine test does not directly show if medications are affecting kidney function. However, if a patient is on medications known to affect the kidneys, such as certain steroids, changes in creatinine levels can suggest an impact on renal function.
Choice D reason: It is part of the nurse's role to provide information about tests and procedures. Telling a patient to ask the doctor does not offer immediate support or information, which can be important for patient care and understanding.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Postvoid urine residual measurement is a direct method to assess for urinary retention.
Choice B reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels may indicate kidney function but not specifically urinary retention.
Choice C reason: A cystourethrogram is used to visualize the bladder and urethra, which may not be the first choice for assessing urinary retention.
Choice D reason: Creatinine levels indicate kidney function but not urinary retention.
Choice E reason: A kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) x-ray can show the size of the bladder and may indicate retention.
Choice F reason: A bladder scan is a non-invasive way to measure the amount of urine in the bladder and assess for
retention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypernatremia, which is an abnormally high level of sodium in the blood, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. Prerenal AKI is often related to hypovolemia, which can lead to hyponatremia rather than hypernatremia.
Choice B reason: Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, is not a common finding in prerenal AKI. Phosphate levels are more often affected in intrinsic renal diseases or refeeding syndrome.
Choice C reason: Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, is not commonly seen in prerenal AKI. It is more frequently associated with malignancies or hyperparathyroidism.
Choice D reason: Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, is a common electrolyte imbalance in prerenal AKI. This occurs due to decreased renal perfusion and the kidney's reduced ability to excrete potassium.

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