Final answer:
Before administering metformin to a client with Type II diabetes, the nurse should assess serum renal function, particularly BUN and creatinine levels, to ensure safe excretion of the drug and prevent lactic acidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus Type II before administering metformin (Glucophage), the nurse should particularly assess serum renal function levels, specifically Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Metformin is excreted by the kidneys and assessing renal function ensures that the medication can be cleared from the body effectively.
Poor kidney function can lead to the accumulation of the drug, which can result in a potentially dangerous condition known as lactic acidosis, especially in patients with significantly impaired renal function. therefore, the correct laboratory value to assess is b. Serum renal function levels (BUN & creatinine).