When assessing the significance of a patient's serum creatinine level, which factors should a nurse identify as being important? Select all that apply.
A)Age
B)Level of activity
C)Skeletal muscle mass
D)Traumatic injury

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine levels are influenced by a patient's age, as kidney function can decline with age. Skeletal muscle mass is a significant factor because creatinine is a breakdown product of muscle metabolism; more muscle mass generally means higher baseline creatinine levels. Traumatic injury can also affect creatinine levels due to muscle damage and the potential for acute kidney injury. Level of activity, while important for overall health, does not directly influence serum creatinine levels in the same way as the other factors.

When Assessing the Significance of a Patient's Serum Creatinine Level