A nurse is concerned about renal function in an 84-year-old ...

[lunatika]

A nurse is concerned about renal function in an 84-year-old patient who is taking several medications. What should the nurse assess?
 
  a. Creatinine clearance
  b. Sodium levels
  c. Potassium levels
  d. Serum creatinine

Question 2

A pediatric nurse is teaching nursing students to calculate medication doses for children using a formula based on body surface area. Which statement by a nursing student indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. The formula helps approximate the first dose; other doses should be based on clinical observations.
  b. This formula accounts for pharmacokinetic factors that are different in children.
  c. Using this formula will prevent side effects of medications in children.
  d. This formula can determine medication dosing for a child of any age.

[thall411]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The proper index of renal function in older adults is creatinine clearance, which indicates renal function in older patients whose organs are undergoing age-related deterioration. Sodium and potassium levels are not indicative of renal function. Serum creatinine levels do not reflect kidney function in older adults because lean muscle mass, which is the source of creatinine in serum, declines and may be low even with reduced kidney function.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
This formula helps determine an approximate first dose for a child that is extrapolated from an adult dose; subsequent doses should be adjusted based on clinical outcome and serum plasma levels. The formula accounts only for differences in weight and not for differences in pharmacokinetic factors. The formula helps determine an effective dose but cannot account for unusual side effects that may occur in children. It may not be effective for all ages because of rapid changes in pharmacokinetics.

[lunatika]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[thall411]

Great! Please up vote