A nurse is caring for a client who will have blood sampling for serum creatinine level and asks what this test shows. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"This test will tell your doctor how your kidneys are functioning."
"This test will tell if you have severe renal impairment or a disease."
"We'll find out if any medications, such as steroids, are interfering with your kidney function."
"You'll have to ask your doctor."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood and provides information about kidney function. Normal ranges for serum creatinine levels are 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for adult men and 0.59 to
1.04 mg/dL for adult women. This test is a common way to assess renal function and can indicate if the kidneys are not filtering waste effectively.
Choice B reason: While a serum creatinine test can indicate severe renal impairment, it does not diagnose a specific disease. Further testing would be required to determine the presence of a particular renal disease.
Choice C reason: The serum creatinine test does not directly show if medications are affecting kidney function. However, if a patient is on medications known to affect the kidneys, such as certain steroids, changes in creatinine levels can suggest an impact on renal function.
Choice D reason: It is part of the nurse's role to provide information about tests and procedures. Telling a patient to ask the doctor does not offer immediate support or information, which can be important for patient care and understanding.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While a heart atack is a serious condition, it is not directly related to peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to systemic infection, which may indirectly affect the heart, but it is not the primary concern in the immediate care of peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, it is not the most immediate threat when a client is diagnosed with peritonitis. The nurse should continue to monitor blood glucose levels as part of routine care.
Choice C reason: Respiratory failure can be a complication of peritonitis if the infection spreads and affects other systems. However, the primary concern with peritonitis is the potential for the infection to lead to sepsis.
Choice D reason: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur as a complication of peritonitis. It happens when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Monitoring for signs of sepsis is crucial because early intervention can be lifesaving.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a condition where there is damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This is because the tubular cells are responsible for reabsorbing substances from the filtrate back into the blood. When these cells are injured, they cannot function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products and a decrease in GFR.
Choice B reason: While obstruction can lead to a decrease in GFR, it is not the primary cause in the context of acute tubular necrosis. Obstruction typically occurs in postrenal causes of acute kidney injury.
Choice C reason: In?ammatory cells do invade damaged kidneys, but this is more characteristic of conditions such as acute interstitial nephritis rather than ATN. In ATN, the primary issue is the injury to the tubular cells themselves.
Choice D reason: A reduction of blood flow to the kidneys, or prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decrease in GFR. However, in the context of ATN, the primary issue is not the blood flow but the damage to the renal tubules.
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