A patient will be undergoing abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast. The nurse has administered IV sodium bicarbonate and oral acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) before the study as ordered
What would indicate that these medications have had the desired therapeutic effect?
A) The patient's BUN and creatinine levels are within reference range following the CT.
B) The CT yields high-quality images.
C) The patient's electrolytes are stable in the 48 hours following the CT.
D) The patient's intake and output are in balance on the day after the CT.
Ans: A
Feedback:
Both sodium bicarbonate and Mucomyst are free radical scavengers that sequester the contrast byproducts that are destructive to renal cells. Kidney damage would be evident by increased BUN and creatinine levels. These medications are unrelated to electrolyte or fluid balance and they play no role in the results of the CT.
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