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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering the medication without first assessing the pain could lead to inappropriate medication administration and potentially mask underlying issues. It's crucial to gather more information about the pain before providing any medication.
Choice C rationale:
While repositioning might offer some relief in certain cases, it's not the first step in pain management. A thorough assessment to understand the nature, location, and severity of the pain is essential for determining the most appropriate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Reviewing the effects of previous pain medication is important, but it doesn't take priority over assessing the current pain. Understanding the current pain experience is necessary to make informed decisions about medication administration and other interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Determining the location of the pain is the crucial first step in pain assessment. It helps to: Identify the potential source of the pain, which can guide treatment choices.
Understand the pain's characteristics, such as its quality, intensity, and duration.
Evaluate for any associated symptoms or patterns, which can provide further insights into the underlying cause. Assess for any aggravating or alleviating factors, which can help tailor treatment strategies.
Monitor the effectiveness of interventions by comparing changes in pain location and characteristics.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing a urine sample to determine therapeutic levels of phenytoin is not typically a part of routine discharge instructions. While monitoring of phenytoin levels is important, it's usually done through blood tests, and the frequency of testing is determined by the healthcare provider based on individual patient factors.
Choice C rationale:
Bleeding gums are not a common side effect of phenytoin. While some individuals might experience gum tenderness or overgrowth, significant bleeding is not expected.
Choice D rationale:
Antacids can actually interfere with the absorption of phenytoin, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it's generally not recommended to take antacids regularly while on phenytoin therapy. If a patient needs to take an antacid for occasional heartburn or indigestion, it's best to take it at least 2 hours before or after the phenytoin dose.
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