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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, BUN and creatinine levels typically increase, not decrease, due to reduced kidney function.
Choice B reason: Renal function is not reestablished during the oliguric phase; this phase is characterized by decreased function.
Choice C reason: The oliguric phase is defined by significantly reduced urine output, often less than 400 mL per 24 hours.
Choice D reason: The GFR does not recover during the oliguric phase; it is usually decreased.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to increased excretion of potassium, not retention.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy due to increased excretion of potassium in the urine.
Choice C reason: Hypomagnesemia is not commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy.
Choice D reason: Hypermagnesemia is not typically induced by corticosteroid therapy.
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