Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client receiving an intermittent IV bolus of gentamicin twice daily. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Correct answer
C,E
Rationale
The correct laboratory values to monitor while a client is receiving gentamicin are serum creatinine (C) and WBC count (E). Serum creatinine is crucial as gentamicin can cause nephrotoxicity, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring WBC count is important to detect any signs of infection, as gentamicin can lower the immune system's ability to fight infections. Glucose (A) is not directly affected by gentamicin. Prothrombin time (B) and cardiac enzymes (D) are not typically affected by gentamicin use.