The nurse is caring for a client receiving gentamicin IV. Which laboratory tests should the nurse assess prior to administering the medication?
1. PTT
2. Liver function tests
3. Blood urea nitrogen
4. Complete blood count
3
Rationale 1: Partial thromboplastin time is used for anticoagulant therapy.
Rationale 2: Gentamicin does not affect the liver function tests.
Rationale 3: Gentamicin can cause kidney impairment. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels should be checked prior to administration.
Rationale 4: Complete blood count would show the white blood cell count, which should reflect a decrease in level.
Global Rationale: The potential toxicity of aminoglycosides is similar to that of all drugs in the class. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are two of the adverse effects of gentamicin. Prior to administration of the medication, the nurse should assess the laboratory tests of the kidney (serum creatinine level and blood urine nitrogen [BUN]).
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