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 A
Explanation
The correct answer is **a. Report the finding to the healthcare provider.**
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report the finding of the client's response to a painful stimulus to the healthcare provider. This response, known as a decorticate posturing, is an abnormal motor response that indicates a severe brain injury or dysfunction. It is a sign of impaired consciousness and requires immediate medical attention and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
While documenting the client's response to pain is important, the primary action the nurse should take is to report the finding to the healthcare provider. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Initiating seizure precautions is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is not a seizure, but rather an abnormal motor response indicating a severe brain injury or dysfunction. Seizure precautions would not be the appropriate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a prescribed PRN analgesic is not the appropriate action in this case. Decorticate posturing is a neurological emergency that requires immediate medical attention, not just pain management. Administering an analgesic would not address the underlying neurological issue.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased temperature alone is not a sufficient indication for pain medication in a post-pyloromyotomy infant. Fever can have various causes, and pain should be assessed based on other factors.
Choice B rationale:
Increased pulse rate can be an indication of pain in an infant following surgery like pyloromyotomy. It's important to assess the overall clinical picture and consider pain management if other signs are present.
Choice C rationale:
Increased respiratory rate alone is not a specific indicator of pain in a post-pyloromyotomy infant. Respiratory rate can vary for many reasons, so it should not be the sole criterion for pain management.
Choice D rationale:
Increased pulse rate is a potential sign of pain in a post-pyloromyotomy infant and should be considered when assessing the need for pain medication.
Choice E rationale:
Restlessness is often a sign of discomfort or pain in infants. Restlessness, along with other clinical indicators, can guide the decision to administer pain medication.
Choice F rationale:
Clenched fists can be a sign of discomfort or pain in infants, and it should be considered when assessing the need for pain management.
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