What lab value must the nurse review before a contrast MRI of the pituitary gland?

The review of the creatinine level before a contrast MRI of the pituitary gland is essential because contrast agents used in MRI, particularly gadolinium-based contrast, can pose a risk of nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. The creatinine level is a crucial indicator of renal function; elevated levels suggest decreased kidney performance. If the kidneys are unable to effectively filter the contrast material from the bloodstream, this could lead to serious complications, such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a condition linked to the use of gadolinium in patients with compromised renal function.

In contrast, monitoring blood glucose, sodium, or potassium levels, while important in various clinical contexts, is not specifically necessary for patient safety regarding the use of MRI contrast agents. Therefore, focus is given to the creatinine level to ascertain that the patient can safely undergo the procedure without risking further renal impairment.