A nurse is caring for a client with a specific phobia.
Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding phobias?

The correct answer and explanation is:

c) Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.

This is the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Calling the healthcare provider and clarifying the prescription is the safest and most effective way to prevent medication errors and ensure the child's safety.

The PN should not administer the medication until they are sure that it is correct and appropriate for the child.

a) Tell the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage is not appropriate, as it may cause confusion, delay, or conflict with the healthcare provider's orders. The PN should not assume that they know the correct dosage for the child without consulting with the healthcare provider.

b) Ask another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Asking another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children is not helpful, as it may not provide accurate or reliable information. The PN should not rely on another nurse's opinion or experience without verifying it with the healthcare provider.

d) Request verification of the prescription by the charge nurse.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Requesting verification of the prescription by the charge nurse is not necessary, as it may waste time and resources. The PN should be able to communicate directly with the healthcare provider and clarify any doubts or concerns about the prescription.

Serum creatinine is the most important laboratory value to review before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity is an alteration in the function of the kidney due to exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

It can be assessed by measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the rate of clearance of a substance from the blood by the kidneys. Serum creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is freely filtered by the glomeruli and not reabsorbed or secreted by the tubules.

Therefore, it is a reliable indicator of GFR and renal function. An increase in serum creatinine indicates a decrease in GFR and renal function, which may be caused by nephrotoxic drugs.

The other laboratory values are not directly related to nephrotoxicity or GFR:

• Serum calcium: This may be affected by renal function, but it is not a sensitive or specific marker of nephrotoxicity. It may be altered by other factors such as vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and bone metabolism.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: These may be affected by renal function, but they are not sensitive or specific markers of nephrotoxicity. They may reflect the erythropoietin production by the kidneys, which stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. However, they may also be influenced by other factors such as blood loss, hydration status, and iron deficiency.
• White blood cell count (WBC): This is not related to nephrotoxicity or GFR. It may reflect the presence of infection or inflammation, which may be a cause or a consequence of renal impairment, but it is not a direct measure of renal function.