Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has osteomyelitis and a prescription for gentamicin. Which of the following findings from the client's medical record should indicate to the nurse the need to withhold the medication and notify the provider?

a) Blood pressure of 155/98 mm Hg
b) Serum creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL
c) Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
d) White blood cell count of 13,700/mm³

Answer 1

A serum creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dL should indicate the need to withhold the medication and notify the provider due to the increased risk of gentamicin toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The finding from the client's medical record that should indicate the need to withhold the medication and notify the provider is a serum creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dL (option b). Serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function, and an elevated level indicates impaired renal function. Gentamicin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, and if the client has impaired renal function, there is an increased risk of gentamicin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication and inform the provider.