Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which laboratory value is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to review?
White blood cell count (WBC).
Serum creatinine.
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit.
Serum calcium
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B, Serum creatinine. Choice A rationale:
The white blood cell count (WBC) is an important parameter for assessing the body's immune response to infections. While it can provide valuable information about the presence of an infection, it is not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, it is not the most important laboratory value to review before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Serum creatinine is a crucial laboratory value to assess kidney function. It is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys, and its level in the blood is a reliable indicator of kidney function. If the serum creatinine level is elevated, it suggests impaired kidney function, which can be a warning sign of nephrotoxicity. Reviewing the serum creatinine level before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics is essential to ensure that the client's kidneys are functioning adequately and to avoid potential harm.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin and hematocrit are indicators of the client's red blood cell count and blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. While these values can provide information about the client's overall health status, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, they are not the most important laboratory values to review in this particular scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Serum calcium levels are essential for assessing bone health, nerve function, and muscle contractions. However, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity, and reviewing serum calcium levels alone would not provide sufficient information about kidney function. Hence, it is not the most critical value to review before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the first action that the PN should take because the catheter size and balloon volume are inappropriate for the client. A #18 urinary catheter is too large for a female client who weighs 50 kg, and a 30 mL balloon may cause bladder trauma or discomfort. The PN should consult with the charge nurse and obtain a smaller catheter (such as #14 or #16) with a 10 mL balloon.
A. Obtaining a 30 mL syringe and a vial of sterile water is not the first action because it does not address the issue of the catheter size and balloon volume.
B. Asking the client if she has previously been catheterized is not the first action because it does not address the issue of the catheter size and balloon volume.
D. Positioning the client and observing the urinary meatus is not the first action because it does not address the issue of the catheter size and balloon volume.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: Choice C - Check the pedal pulse in the affected leg.
Rationale:
- Choice A: Massage the calf and foot: While massage can be helpful for relieving muscle cramps in some cases, it is not the most appropriate first step in this situation. A leg cramp during labor could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Massaging the area could potentially dislodge the clot and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition.
- Choice B: Extend the leg and flex the foot: This maneuver may stretch the calf muscle and temporarily relieve the cramp, but it doesn't address the underlying cause. Additionally, extending the leg completely could be uncomfortable for the woman in labor.
- Choice C: Check the pedal pulse in the affected leg: This is the most crucial step. A weak or absent pedal pulse in the affected leg could be a strong indicator of DVT. Checking the pulse allows the nurse to assess for potential complications and escalate care if necessary.
- Choice D: Elevate the leg above the heart: Elevation can be helpful for reducing swelling and improving circulation, but it's not the primary concern in this case. Checking the pulse takes priority to assess for circulatory compromise.
Summary:
Leg cramps during labor can be caused by various factors, but it's essential to rule out more serious conditions like DVT. Checking the pedal pulse is the initial step to assess circulation and identify potential complications. If the pulse is weak or absent, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
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