A nurse is caring for a client who has endocarditis and is receiving gentamicin (Garamycin) intravenously. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to assess for adverse effects of this medication?
Serum creatinine
Serum potassium
Serum albumin
Serum bilirubin.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should monitor the serum creatinine level of the client who is receiving gentamicin because this medication can cause nephrotoxicity, which is damage to the kidneys. Serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function and it should be within the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults.
If the serum creatinine level increases, it indicates that the kidneys are not filtering the waste products properly and the dose of gentamicin may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
Choice B. Serum potassium is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the potassium level in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the nerve and muscle function and it should be within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L for adults. Abnormal potassium levels can be caused by other factors such as dehydration, kidney disease, diuretics, or acid-base imbalance.
Choice C. Serum albumin is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the albumin level in the blood. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood and it should be within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL for adults. Low albumin levels can be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, liver disease, inflammation, or blood loss.
Choice D. Serum bilirubin is wrong because gentamicin does not affect the bilirubin level in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cell breakdown and it should be within the normal range of 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults.
High bilirubin levels can be caused by other factors such as hemolysis, liver
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This statement indicates that the client understands that amoxicillin can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Choice A is wrong because a rash can indicate an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, which can be life-threatening.The client should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention if a rash develops.
Choice B is wrong because the client should complete the full course of amoxicillin as prescribed, even if they feel better.Stopping the medication too soon can lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of infection.
Choice D is wrong because amoxicillin does not cause stomach upset and does not need to be taken with an antacid.In fact, some antacids can interfere with the absorption of amoxicillin and reduce its effectiveness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
T
he combination of imipenem and cilastatin prevents the degradation of imipenem by renal enzymes.Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall.Cilastatin is a dehydropeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the metabolism of imipenem by renal brush-border enzymes, thus increasing imipenem concentrations in urine.
Choice A is wrong because the combination does not enhance the antimicrobial activity of imipenem, but rather preserves its activity by preventing its breakdown.
Choice B is wrong because the combination does not reduce the risk of allergic reactions to imipenem, but rather increases the risk of side effects such as diarrhea, rash, fever, and seizures.
Choice D is wrong because the combination does not lower the dosage requirement of imipenem, but rather allows for higher dosages to be administered depending on the organism sensitivity and the severity of infection.
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