Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A physician orders a serum creatinine for a hospitalized client. The nurse should explain to the client and his family that this test:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
A serum creatinine level should be 0.7 to 1.5 mg/dl, and it does not vary with increased protein intake, so it is a better indicator of renal function than the BUN. Choice A is incorrect as a serum creatinine level of 4.0 to 5.5 mg/dl is not normal. Choice B is incorrect as serum creatinine is not affected by increased protein intake. Choice D is incorrect as serum creatinine primarily reflects renal function, not fluid volume status.