Question

A patient is scheduled for a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast. The patient has a baseline creatinine level of 2.3 mg/dL. In preparing this patient for the procedure, the nurse anticipates what orders?

A) Monitor the patients electrolyte values every hour before the procedure.
B) Preprocedure hydration and administration of acetylcysteine
C) Hemodialysis immediately prior to the CT scan
D) Obtain a creatinine clearance by collecting a 24-hour urine specimen.

Answer 1

The nurse would anticipate ordering preprocedure hydration and administration of acetylcysteine for a patient with a baseline creatinine level of 2.3 mg/dL. Monitoring electrolyte values every hour, obtaining a creatinine clearance, or hemodialysis prior to the CT scan would not be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the patient's baseline creatinine level of 2.3 mg/dL, the nurse would anticipate ordering preprocedure hydration and administration of acetylcysteine. This is because contrast dyes used in CT scans can potentially cause kidney damage in patients with impaired renal function. Hydration helps flush the dye out of the kidneys, while acetylcysteine may help protect the kidneys from damage.

Monitoring the patient's electrolyte values every hour before the procedure or obtaining a creatinine clearance by collecting a 24-hour urine specimen would not be necessary in this case. Hemodialysis immediately prior to the CT scan is typically reserved for patients with severe kidney dysfunction who need urgent clearance of contrast dye.