The client has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Which of the following lab values should the nurse monitor to assess for renal function?
Blood glucose level.
Serum creatinine level.
Serum albumin level.
White blood cell count.
The Correct Answer is B
Serum creatinine is a waste product that comes from muscle activity and is normally removed by the kidneys.
When the kidneys are damaged, the serum creatinine level rises.
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering the blood and it is calculated from the serum creatinine level.
A normal GFR is 60 or more, while a GFR below 60 may indicate kidney disease.
Therefore, monitoring the serum creatinine level and the GFR can help assess the renal function in CKD.
Choice A is wrong because blood glucose level is not a direct indicator of renal function, although high blood glucose can damage the kidneys over time.
Choice C is wrong because serum albumin level is not a specific marker of renal function, although low serum albumin can be caused by protein loss in the urine due to kidney damage.
Choice D is wrong because white blood cell count is not related to renal function, but rather to immune system activity and infection.
Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Normal ranges for GFR are 90 to 120 mL/min.
Normal ranges for serum albumin are 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL1.
Normal ranges for white blood cell count are 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, weakness and fatigue, and other symptoms.
Therefore, the client should monitor for these signs and report them to the doctor if they occur.
Choice B is wrong because dry mouth is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of dehydration.
Dehydration can also cause thirst, decreased urination, drowsiness, and confusion.
Choice E is wrong because tachycardia is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Furosemide can lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume in the body.
Therefore, the client should also monitor their blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking furosemide.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Increased urine output is a sign of adequate hydration, as it means the kidneys are filtering waste and fluids from the body through the urine. The urine should be pale straw or lemonade colored, which indicates good hydration.
Choice B is wrong because decreased urine output is a sign of dehydration, as it means the kidneys are not working well and waste products are accumulating in the blood.
The urine may be dark and strong smelling, which indicates poor hydration.
Choice C is wrong because dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration, as they indicate a lack of fluid in the body tissues.
Choice D is wrong because hypertension is not a direct indicator of hydration status, although dehydration can cause low BP due to reduced blood volume.
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