A nurse is preparing to administer gentamicin (Garamycin), IV, to a hospitalized child. Before administering the medication, the nurse checks the drug trough level, which is 13 µg/mL. Which action by the nurse is the priority for this child?
A. Administer the medication.
B. Document the findings.
C. Have the laboratory re-run the specimen.
D. Notify the health-care provider.
ANS: D
This trough level is too high (normal is 2 µg/mL). Because this drug is nephrotoxic, care must be given to avoid causing acute kidney injury. The nurse notifies the health-care provider about the results and does not administer the medication. Documentation should occur, but is not the priority. Asking the laboratory to re-run the specimen is not warranted.
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