Question

A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is to receive a dose of ceftazidime via intermittent IV bolus. Which of the following laboratory findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider before administering the medication.

a) Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
b) Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL
c) Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
d) White blood cell count of 8000/mm³

Answer 1

b) Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL. The priority laboratory finding for the nurse to report is a serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority laboratory finding for the nurse to report to the provider before administering ceftazidime via intermittent IV bolus is a serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL. Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and an elevated level indicates impaired renal function. Ceftazidime is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, so if the client has impaired kidney function, the medication may not be properly cleared from the body, leading to potential toxic effects.

On the other hand, a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (14-20 mEq/L), a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL is within the normal range for females (12-15 g/dL), and a white blood cell count of 8000/mm³ is within the normal range (4000-11000/mm³).