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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Specific gravity is typically increased in clients who have hypovolemia, not decreased, due to the concentration of urine as the body atempts to conserve water.
Choice B reason: Creatinine levels are indeed increased in clients who have acute kidney injury, reffecting decreased kidney function and filtration.
Choice C reason: Potassium levels are not necessarily increased in clients who have polyuria. Polyuria can be associated with a variety of conditions and does not directly indicate high potassium levels.
Choice D reason: BUN, or blood urea nitrogen, is typically increased in clients who have dehydration, not decreased, due to the concentration of blood solutes as the body conserves water.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Aluminum hydroxide does not primarily lower serum calcium levels. Calcium levels are typically managed in CKD patients through other medications and dietary restrictions, as hypercalcemia can occur in these patients.
Choice B reason: Aluminum hydroxide acts as a phosphate binder, which helps to lower serum phosphorus levels in patients with CKD. This is important because high phosphorus levels can lead to bone and heart problems in these patients. The normal range for serum phosphorus is approximately 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.
Choice C reason: Aluminum hydroxide does not have a significant effect on serum potassium levels. In CKD, potassium levels are managed through diet and other medications due to the risk of hyperkalemia, which can be life- threatening.
Choice D reason: While magaldrate contains magnesium, which could potentially worsen hypermagnesemia in CKD patients, aluminum hydroxide does not lower serum magnesium levels. Instead, it is less likely to cause elevated magnesium levels compared to magaldrate.
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