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 A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A:
Collect fingerstick glucose levels.
Choice A rationale:
When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it means they are receiving nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. TPN often contains high levels of glucose, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels are crucial to detect and manage hyperglycemia effectively, especially in clients at risk for diabetes or those with impaired glucose metabolism.
Choice B rationale:
Implementing bleeding precautions (Choice B) is important for clients on anticoagulant therapy or with bleeding disorders. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client receiving TPN. Monitoring glucose levels takes precedence in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining daily weights is an important intervention to assess fluid balance and nutritional status in clients receiving TPN. However, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring glucose levels to prevent complications of hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
Checking urine for albumin is important in assessing kidney function and detecting proteinuria. While it is a valid nursing intervention, it is not the most important consideration for a client on TPN. Monitoring glucose levels is of higher priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Don non-sterile gloves when performing direct care.
Choice A rationale:
Placing a surgical mask on the client during transport is not necessary for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile. C. difficile is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and not through airborne transmission.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the door closed to the client’s room at all times is not required for C. difficile infection. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than airborne precautions.
Choice C rationale:
Wearing a particulate respirator mask is not needed for C. difficile, as it is not an airborne pathogen. Standard contact precautions are sufficient.
Choice D rationale:
Donning non-sterile gloves when performing direct care is essential to prevent the spread of C. difficile. The spores can be transmitted via the hands of healthcare workers, so wearing gloves helps to minimize this risk.
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