The client has an order for Garamycin (gentamicin) to be administered. Which lab test should be done before beginning the medication?
- A. Hematocrit
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. White cell count
- D. BUN
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside, is nephrotoxic. Serum creatinine is monitored before administration to assess baseline kidney function, as impaired renal function increases toxicity risk. Hematocrit, white cell count, and BUN are less specific for gentamicin.
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A client has received digoxin 0.25 mg po daily for 2 weeks. Which of the following digoxin levels indicates toxicity?
- A. 0.5 ng/mL
- B. 1.0 ng/mL
- C. 2.0 ng/mL
- D. 3.0 ng/mL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Digoxin's therapeutic level is 0.8-2.0 ng/mL. Digoxin's toxic level is >2.0 ng/mL.
Which measure helps reduce nipple soreness associated with breastfeeding?
- A. Feeding the baby during the first 48 hours after delivery
- B. Placing a finger between the baby's mouth and the breast to break suction after feeding
- C. Applying warm, moist soaks to the breast several times per day
- D. Wearing a support bra during the day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breaking suction by placing a finger between the baby’s mouth and the breast prevents trauma to the nipple, reducing soreness. Feeding early promotes latch but doesn’t address soreness directly, warm soaks may increase inflammation, and a bra supports but doesn’t prevent nipple trauma.
A client with a history of testicular cancer is admitted with complaints of back pain. The nurse should give priority to:
- A. Monitoring for metastasis
- B. Administering pain medication
- C. Monitoring blood pressure
- D. Administering chemotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Back pain in testicular cancer may indicate metastasis to retroperitoneal lymph nodes, so monitoring for metastasis is the priority.
When assessing a child with diabetes insipidus, the nurse should be aware of the cardinal signs of:
- A. Anemia and vomiting
- B. Polyuria and polydipsia
- C. Irritability relieved by feeding formula
- D. Hypothermia and azotemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anemia and vomiting are not cardinal signs of diabetes insipidus. Polyuria and polydipsia are the cardinal signs of diabetes insipidus. Irritability relieved by feeding water, not formula, is a common sign, but not the cardinal sign, of diabetes insipidus. Hypothermia and azotemia are signs, but not cardinal signs, of diabetes insipidus.
A female client has been treated since childhood for mitral valve prolapse. The antibiotic of choice for her during pregnancy would be:
- A. Sulfa
- B. Tetracycline
- C. Hydralazine
- D. Erythromycin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sulfa is a teratogen and will cause kernicterus. Tetracycline is a teratogen and will affect tooth development. Hydralazine is not an antibiotic but a calcium channel blocker. Erythromycin is safe during pregnancy and can be used when the client is allergic to penicillin.
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