Question

A nurse is reviewing laboratory data prior to administering methotrexate to a client with breast cancer. Which clinical finding will the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?

ALT of 55 IU/mL

WBC of 12,000/mm³

AST of 34 U/L

HGB of 11.5 g/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report an ALT of 55 IU/mL to the healthcare provider before administering methotrexate due to potential liver toxicity associated with the medication, as normal ALT levels are between 5-15 IU/L.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical finding that the nurse should report to the healthcare provider before administering methotrexate is an ALT of 55 IU/mL. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that has potential hepatotoxic effects, meaning it can cause liver damage. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the liver that helps metabolize proteins. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream. The normal range for ALT is typically around 5-15 IU/L. An ALT level of 55 IU/mL is elevated and may indicate liver damage or dysfunction, and therefore it is crucial to address this finding with the healthcare provider before proceeding with the treatment, as methotrexate could exacerbate liver injury.

Other parameters like WBC of 12,000/mm³, AST of 34 U/L, and HGB of 11.5 g/dL fall within or close to normal ranges for a patient undergoing chemotherapy and are not as immediately concerning as the elevated ALT level