An intensive care unit nurse is caring for a patient taking kanamycin. What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Giving the drug for no longer than 7 days
B) Assessing liver function daily
C) Contacting the ordering physician
D) Monitoring renal function daily
D
Feedback:
The potential for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity with amikacin is very high, so the drug is used only as long as absolutely necessary and should not be administered for longer than 7 to 10 days because of its potentially toxic adverse effects, which include renal damage, bone marrow depression, and gastrointestinal (GI) complications. The nurse cannot stop administering the drug after 7 days if the doctor orders it to be given longer but the nurse could question the order and promote change to another antibiotic if necessary. Monitoring renal function is the priority action when this drug is administered and the provider should be notified if signs of renal failure occur. Liver function is not usually impacted by this drug, although a patient with preexisting liver alterations may require a change in dosage to prevent toxicity. There is no indication of a need to contact the health care provider.
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