What is considered a normal serum creatinine level that a nurse should document for a client at risk of nephrotoxicity?

A normal serum creatinine level typically ranges from about 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults, which means that a level of 1.0 mg/dL falls comfortably within this range. In patients at risk of nephrotoxicity, monitoring serum creatinine is crucial as it can indicate kidney function. A level of 1.0 mg/dL suggests that the kidneys are functioning adequately, and there is no immediate indication of renal impairment.

Serum creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is typically cleared from the bloodstream by the kidneys. Therefore, higher levels can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly or that there is damage occurring. In the context of monitoring for nephrotoxicity, maintaining a serum creatinine level around 1.0 mg/dL or lower is critical to ensure that any potential drug-related renal injury is recognized early and managed effectively.