Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving gentamicin for staphylococcus. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL. Elevated creatinine levels indicate potential kidney damage, a known side effect of gentamicin. The nurse should report this finding immediately to prevent further harm. A: WBC 11,000/mm3 is within normal range. C: Potassium 4.5 mEq/L is within normal limits. D: Fasting blood glucose 130 mg/dL may indicate hyperglycemia but is not as urgent as kidney damage in this context.