Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which laboratory value is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to review?
Serum calcium
Serum creatinine
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
White blood cell count (WBC)
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A pH level of 7.35 to 7.45 and HCO3- level of 22 to 26 mEq/L indicate a resolution of ketoacidosis. The normal pH range for the body is 7.35 to 7.45, and a return to this range indicates that the body’s acid-base balance has been restored. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is a measure of the metabolic component of the body’s acid-base balance, and the normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L. A return to this range indicates that the metabolic acidosis caused by the ketoacidosis has been resolved.
Choice B rationale:
A pH level of 7.25 to 7.35 and HCO3- level of 18 to 22 mEq/L would indicate that the client is still in a state of mild acidosis, as the pH is below the normal range and the bicarbonate level is also slightly low, indicating a metabolic acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
A pH level of 7.15 to 7.25 and HCO3- level of 14 to 18 mEq/L would indicate a moderate acidosis. Both the pH and bicarbonate levels are significantly below their normal ranges, indicating a significant disruption in the body’s acid-base balance.
Choice D rationale:
A pH level of 7.05 to 7.15 and HCO3- level of 10 to 14 mEq/L would indicate severe acidosis, which would be life-threatening if not corrected. Both the pH and bicarbonate levels are far below their normal ranges, indicating a severe disruption in the body’s acid-base balance. In conclusion, choice A is correct because it represents values within the normal ranges for both pH and bicarbonate, indicating a resolution of ketoacidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtaining a urine specimen for analysis is an important step in the assessment of the client with renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is experiencing severe flank pain and hematuria. Pain management should take precedence.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Severe flank pain in a client with renal calculi is indicative of renal colic, which is typically excruciating. Administering a prescribed opioid analgesic is the priority to relieve the client's pain and distress.
Choice C rationale:
Straining the urine for the presence of stones is an essential nursing intervention to identify and collect any passed stones. However, it is not the most immediate action when the client is in severe pain. Pain management is the priority.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client for a prescribed computed tomography (CT) scan is an important diagnostic step to assess the location and size of the renal calculi. However, it is not the most immediate intervention when the client is in severe pain and distress. Pain management should come first.
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