Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

When monitoring a patient on cyclosporine modified (Gengraf), which lab value should the nurse monitor closely?

1. Blood glucose

2. Serum creatinine

3. Serum amylase

4. Serum magnesium

The correct answer is: Serum creatinine

Monitoring serum creatinine is crucial when a patient is receiving cyclosporine modified (Gengraf) because this medication can have nephrotoxic effects, which may lead to acute kidney injury. Cyclosporine is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. As such, maintaining awareness of renal function is essential to prevent complications associated with renal impairment. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys are not effectively clearing waste, which can result from the nephrotoxic potential of cyclosporine. Early detection of renal dysfunction is vital because it can prompt timely interventions to adjust the medication dosage or consider alternative therapies, ensuring patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes. Other lab values, such as blood glucose, serum amylase, and serum magnesium, can be important for various reasons, but in the context of cyclosporine therapy, monitoring serum creatinine is the most directly linked to the effects of the medication on kidney function.