Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which laboratory value is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to review?
White blood cell count (WBC).
Serum creatinine.
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit.
Serum calcium
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B, Serum creatinine. Choice A rationale:
The white blood cell count (WBC) is an important parameter for assessing the body's immune response to infections. While it can provide valuable information about the presence of an infection, it is not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, it is not the most important laboratory value to review before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity.
Choice B rationale:

Serum creatinine is a crucial laboratory value to assess kidney function. It is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys, and its level in the blood is a reliable indicator of kidney function. If the serum creatinine level is elevated, it suggests impaired kidney function, which can be a warning sign of nephrotoxicity. Reviewing the serum creatinine level before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics is essential to ensure that the client's kidneys are functioning adequately and to avoid potential harm.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin and hematocrit are indicators of the client's red blood cell count and blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. While these values can provide information about the client's overall health status, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, they are not the most important laboratory values to review in this particular scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Serum calcium levels are essential for assessing bone health, nerve function, and muscle contractions. However, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity, and reviewing serum calcium levels alone would not provide sufficient information about kidney function. Hence, it is not the most critical value to review before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceB. Culture for sensitive organisms.
Choice A rationale:
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are indicative of inflammation in the body and can help identify the presence of an infection. However, CRP levels do not provide specific information about the type of organism causing the infection, which is crucial for targeted treatment.
Choice B rationale:
A culture for sensitive organisms is essential in this scenario because it identifies the specific bacteria or other pathogens present in the wound. This information is critical for selecting the appropriate antibiotic therapy to treat the infection effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Serum albumin levels are important for assessing nutritional status and overall health, which can impact wound healing. Low albumin levels can indicate poor nutritional status and delayed wound healing, but they do not provide immediate information about the infection itself.
Choice D rationale:
Serum blood glucose (BG) levels are crucial for managing diabetes and can affect wound healing. High blood glucose levels can impair the immune response and slow down the healing process. However, like CRP, BG levels do not provide specific information about the type of infection present in the wound.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the best action for the PN to implement because it addresses the client's question and provides an opportunity to educate the client about fecal diversion surgery and its outcomes. The PN should review the type, location, and appearance of the surgical opening (stoma) and explain how it will affect the client's elimination and body image.

B. Verifying that the client had nothing by mouth (NPO) for the past 24 hours is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
C. Asking the client if he finished the bowel sterilization prescription is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
D. Determining if this is the first indwelling catheter the client has had is not relevant to the client's question and does not provide any information or support.
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