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: Descriptions of numbness and tingling in fingers distal to the AVF.
Choice A rationale:
Descriptions of numbness and tingling in fingers distal to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) suggest possible nerve compression or impaired blood flow, which are concerning findings. These symptoms could indicate reduced perfusion to the distal extremities and require immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale:
A loud and consistent bruit auscultated at the AVF site is an expected finding and indicates adequate blood flow through the fistula. A bruit is the sound of turbulent blood flow and is commonly heard over functional AV fistulas.
Choice C rationale:
Bruising at the AVF site is a common occurrence after the creation of the fistula. It is expected due to the surgical intervention and the manipulation of blood vessels. As long as the bruising is not severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it does not need immediate reporting.
Choice D rationale:
The absence of the radial pulse distal to the AVF and the presence of the ulnar pulse are normal findings in a functioning AV fistula. The AV fistula diverts blood flow away from the radial artery, leading to a diminished pulse. This is not a cause for concern as long as the ulnar pulse is present, indicating adequate perfusion to the hand.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D, Pupils reactive to accommodation. Choice A rationale:
"Peripheral vision intact”. refers to the ability to see objects at the outer edges of one's visual field. It is not relevant to the assessment of pupillary response and does not describe the finding of pupils constricting as they change focus from a far object to a near object.
Choice B rationale:
"Nystagmus present with pupillary focus”. suggests involuntary rapid eye movements accompanied by changes in pupillary response. Nystagmus is not an expected finding during pupillary accommodation, and its presence would indicate a neurological issue rather than a normal response.
Choice C rationale:
"Consensual pupillary constriction present”. refers to both pupils constricting when light is shined into one eye. While this finding is normal, it does not specifically describe the pupils' response during accommodation when focusing from a far object to a near object.
Choice D rationale:
"Pupils reactive to accommodation”. accurately describes the normal physiological response of the pupils constricting as they change focus from a distant object to a nearby object. This response ensures that the appropriate amount of light enters the eyes to maintain clear vision during different distances of focus.
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