A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving gentamicin IV for treatment of endocarditis caused by gram-negative bacteria.
Which laboratory value should be monitored closely during gentamicin therapy?
Serum creatinine
Serum potassium
Serum calcium
Serum glucose.
The Correct Answer is A
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which is damage to the kidneys. Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function and should be monitored closely during gentamicin therapy. The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Choice B is wrong because serum potassium is not affected by gentamicin.
The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C is wrong because serum calcium is not affected by gentamicin.
The normal range for serum calcium is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Choice D is wrong because serum glucose is not affected by gentamicin.
The normal range for serum glucose is 70 to 110 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can causeototoxicity(damage to the inner ear) andnephrotoxicity(damage to the kidneys) as serious side effects. These effects may be irreversible and can occur even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s hearing, balance, urine output, and blood tests for kidney function while on this drug.
Choice C is wrong because gentamicin does not causehepatotoxicity(damage to the liver).
This is more common with other antibiotics such as isoniazid or rifampin.
Choice D is wrong because gentamicin does not causeneuromuscular blockade(paralysis of muscles).
This is more common with other aminoglycosides such as neomycin or tobramycin.
Choice E is wrong because gentamicin does not causethrombocytopenia(low platelet count).
This is more common with other drugs such as heparin or sulfonamides.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The nurse should include these instructions in the teaching because:
• Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach to avoid interference with absorption.
• Dairy products should be avoided while taking this drug because they contain calcium, which can form insoluble complexes with tetracycline and reduce its effectiveness.
• Sunscreen or sun avoidance should be used while taking this drug because it can cause photosensitivity, which increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
• Plenty of fluids should be drunk while taking this drug because it can cause nephrotoxicity, which is damage to the kidneys.
Choice E is wrong because vaginal itching or discharge is not a common side effect of tetracycline.It may indicate a superinfection, which is a secondary infection caused by the disruption of normal flora by antibiotics.
This should be reported to the health care provider as soon as possible.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.