A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following values should give the nurse the best indication of the client's renal function?
Serum creatinine
Serum sodium
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Urine-specific gravity
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Serum creatinine is a waste product that is produced by muscle metabolism and is normally excreted by the kidneys.
When kidney function is impaired, creatinine levels in the blood increase, making it a sensitive and specific indicator of renal function.
It is considered one of the most reliable markers for assessing kidney function and is routinely used to screen for and monitor kidney disease.
Choice B rationale:
Serum sodium is an electrolyte that is regulated by the kidneys, but it is not a direct measure of renal function. Sodium levels can be affected by various factors, including fluid intake, medications, and hormonal imbalances.
While abnormal sodium levels can sometimes be a sign of kidney dysfunction, they can also occur due to other conditions, making it less specific as an indicator of renal function.
Choice C rationale:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product that is produced by the breakdown of proteins and is normally excreted by the kidneys.
However, BUN levels can be influenced by factors other than kidney function, such as dietary protein intake, dehydration, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
This makes BUN less specific than serum creatinine as a marker of renal function.
Choice D rationale:
Urine-specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine, which can provide some information about kidney function.
However, it is not as sensitive or specific as serum creatinine.
Urine-specific gravity can be affected by factors such as fluid intake and hydration status, which can make it less reliable as an indicator of renal function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Losing 2 pounds in 2 weeks is not a significant weight loss and may not be a cause for concern in this context. It's important to monitor weight trends over time, but this isolated statement doesn't necessarily require immediate discussion.
Choice B rationale:
Engaging in physical activity like swimming is generally beneficial for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. It can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being. The nurse might encourage the client to discuss any specific concerns or limitations with their healthcare provider, but the activity itself is not alarming.
Choice C rationale:
Taking an antibiotic concurrently with naproxen can potentially increase the risk of adverse effects. Some antibiotics, like those in the fluoroquinolone class (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), can interact with naproxen and increase the risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture. This interaction warrants further discussion to ensure the client is aware of potential risks and to explore alternative medications if necessary.
Choice D rationale:
Using applesauce to facilitate medication intake is a common and acceptable practice. It does not affect the absorption or efficacy of naproxen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Coughing and deep breathing are essential for mobilizing and removing secretions from the airways, which is crucial for improving airway clearance in patients with pneumonia. These techniques help to loosen mucus and bring it up from the lungs, allowing it to be expelled through coughing.
Hydration maintenance is also critical because it helps to thin secretions, making them easier to cough up. Adequate hydration helps to keep mucus moist and less sticky, which promotes easier expectoration.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the head of the bed elevated can help to improve oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing, but it does not directly address the issue of airway clearance. It may be a helpful adjunct intervention, but it's not the priority for this specific nursing diagnosis.
Choice C rationale:
Preparation for insertion of a tracheostomy tube is a more invasive intervention that may be necessary in severe cases of airway obstruction, but it is not the first-line intervention for ineffective airway clearance related to pneumonia. It would be considered if other measures fail to maintain adequate ventilation.
Choice D rationale:
Providing supplemental oxygen can help to improve oxygenation in patients with pneumonia, but it does not directly address the issue of airway clearance. It's important to support oxygenation, but it's not the primary intervention to clear secretions.
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