A 55-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is ...

[Melani1276]

A 55-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is scheduled to receive a prescribed dose of epoetin alfa (Procrit). Which information should the nurse report to the health care provider before giving the medication?
 
  a. Creatinine 1.6 mg/dL
  b. Oxygen saturation 89
  c. Hemoglobin level 13 g/dL
  d. Blood pressure 98/56 mm Hg

Question 2

A patient with diabetes who has bacterial pneumonia is being treated with IV gentamicin (Garamycin) 60 mg IV BID. The nurse will monitor for adverse effects of the medication by evaluating the patient's
 
  a. blood glucose.
  b. urine osmolality.
  c. serum creatinine.
  d. serum potassium.

[jessicaduplan]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
High hemoglobin levels are associated with a higher rate of thromboembolic events and increased risk of death from serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, heart failure, stroke) when erythropoietin (EPO) is administered to a target hemoglobin of >12 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels higher than 12 g/dL indicate a need for a decrease in epoetin alfa dose. The other information also will be reported to the health care provider but will not affect whether the medication is administered.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
When a patient at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) receives a potentially nephrotoxic medication, it is important to monitor renal function with BUN and creatinine levels. The other laboratory values would not be useful in assessing for the adverse effects of the gentamicin.

[Melani1276]

Great answer, keep it coming

[ricroger]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it