What assessment finding should a nurse anticipate if a client experiences adverse effects from albendazole treatment?

The correct answer highlights that a nurse should anticipate a finding of creatinine clearance at 61 mL/min/1.73 m² as an assessment of potential adverse effects from albendazole treatment. Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication that, while primarily used to treat parasitic infections, can have effects on renal function due to its metabolism and excretion.

Creatinine clearance is a measure of kidney function, and a value of 61 mL/min/1.73 m² indicates that the kidneys may not be functioning optimally. Since any medication that is excreted through the kidneys has the potential to cause nephrotoxic effects, monitoring creatinine levels is essential during albendazole treatment. A decrease in renal clearance could also reflect the kidneys’ inability to effectively filter out the metabolites of the drug, leading to adverse effects.

While decreased appetite is a common side effect of many medications, including albendazole, it is more subjective and does not provide the same level of quantitative assessment as creatinine clearance. On the other hand, elevated blood pressure and increased urination are less commonly associated with the use of albendazole and do not directly indicate renal impairment or deterioration in kidney function, which is crucial for patients