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)

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about her own care. It is essential to honor the client's refusal of further treatment, and the nurse should communicate this to the family. In this situation, the client has the capacity to make her own decisions, and her wishes should be respected.

Choice B rationale:

Attempting to persuade the client to participate in the clinical trial for one month is not an appropriate approach. It disregards the client's autonomy and her right to refuse treatment. It's essential to respect the client's decision, and trying to convince her against her will is ethically and legally inappropriate.

Choice D rationale:

While it's important to ensure that the client fully understands the implications of her decision, doing so in front of her children may create additional pressure or discomfort for the client. The best approach is to have a private conversation with the client to assess her understanding and provide information or support as needed.

A. CP is one of the most common permanent physical disabilities in children. B. Brain damage with CP is not progressive but does have a variable course. C. Severe motor dysfunction determines the extent of successful habilitation. D. Continued development of the brain lesion determines the child's outcome.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Choice B rationale:

Choice C rationale:

Severe motor dysfunction determines the extent of successful habilitation is not entirely accurate. While the severity of motor dysfunction does play a role in the challenges a child with CP may face, it does not solely determine the extent of successful habilitation. Many factors, including early intervention, therapy, and individualized care, can influence a child's progress and potential for improvement.

Choice D rationale:

Continued development of the brain lesion determines the child's outcome is not an accurate statement. CP is primarily caused by non-pro

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Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which laboratory value is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to review?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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