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. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL.
Choice A rationale:
A consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL indicates persistent hyperglycemia. Inadequate NPH insulin dosage may lead to consistently high blood glucose levels, which can result in various complications.
Choice B rationale:
The complaint of cold feet and numbness is not a specific indicator of inadequate insulin dosage. Neuropathy and circulation issues can occur with poorly controlled diabetes, but they are not solely indicative of inadequate insulin.
Choice C rationale:
Nausea in the morning, even with the ability to eat breakfast, does not necessarily point to inadequate insulin dosage. It could be due to various factors, including dietary choices or other medical conditions.
Choice D rationale:
The wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful is not a specific sign of inadequate insulin dosage. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to delayed wound healing, but it does not necessarily indicate that the current insulin dosage is insufficient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.
Choice A rationale:
Asking unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to give medications to their assigned residents is not the best action to take in this situation. Medication administration requires a certain level of training and knowledge to ensure safe and accurate delivery. UAPs may not have the appropriate training and legal authorization to administer medications, which could lead to potential errors and harm to the residents.
Choice B rationale:
Documenting why all the medications were not given to each resident is not sufficient to address the issue at hand. While documentation is essential for record-keeping and communication, it does not resolve the problem of medication administration being left incomplete. The priority should be finding a qualified person to administer the remaining medications.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because assigning the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments ensures that qualified and trained personnel are handling the medication administration. This PN is likely familiar with medication protocols and safety measures, reducing the risk of errors.
Choice D rationale:
Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given might not be practical if the aide is genuinely unwell or unable to continue working safely. The focus should be on ensuring that medication administration is completed by qualified staff rather than forcing the sick aide to stay.
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