A brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) sample has been drawn from an older adult client who has been experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. This test will allow the care team to investigate the possibility of what diagnosis?
Pleurisy
Cardiomyopathy
Valve dysfunction
Heart failure
The Correct Answer is D
A. Pleurisy:
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, which is the lining surrounding the lungs. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. While pleurisy can be associated with conditions such as infections, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism, it is not typically directly diagnosed or investigated using the brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) test. The symptoms of pleurisy may include chest pain, especially with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
B. Cardiomyopathy:
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to impaired heart function. Cardiomyopathy can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid retention. While elevated BNP levels can be observed in some cases of cardiomyopathy, the BNP test is not specific to cardiomyopathy alone. It is often used to assess and diagnose heart failure, a condition that can result from various cardiac abnormalities, including cardiomyopathy.
C. Valve Dysfunction:
Valve dysfunction refers to abnormalities or malfunctions of the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Valve dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue. While valve dysfunction can contribute to heart failure by causing pressure and volume overload on the heart chambers, the BNP test is primarily used to assess heart failure itself rather than specifically identifying valve dysfunction.
D. Heart Failure:
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (edema), and exercise intolerance. Elevated BNP levels are commonly observed in patients with heart failure, especially in cases of acute exacerbations or decompensated heart failure. The BNP test is used to assess and diagnose heart failure, as higher BNP levels indicate increased cardiac stress and volume overload.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will have canned chicken noodle soup with crackers and an apple for lunch": Canned soups are often high in sodium, and crackers can also contribute to sodium intake. This meal choice would not align with a low-sodium diet.
B. "I will have a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch": Processed meats like ham and cheese can be high in sodium, especially if they are not low-sodium options. This choice may not be suitable for a low-sodium diet unless specific low-sodium products are used.
C. "I will have a BLT and a side salad with cheese and croutons for lunch": Bacon, cheese, and croutons are all sources of sodium, so this meal would likely not be appropriate for a low-sodium diet unless modifications are made, such as using low-sodium bacon and limiting cheese and crouton amounts.
D. "I will have a baked potato with broiled chicken for dinner": This statement indicates an understanding of choosing low-sodium options. Baked potatoes and broiled chicken are generally low in sodium, especially if prepared without added salt or high-sodium seasonings. This choice aligns well with a low-sodium diet for someone with heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "The decreased HDL level will increase the amount of cholesterol moved away from the artery walls":
This statement is incorrect. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for processing. A decreased HDL level is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, not with moving cholesterol away from artery walls.
B. "Increased LDL and decreased HDL increase my risk of coronary artery disease":
This statement is correct. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because elevated LDL levels contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Conversely, decreased HDL levels are associated with reduced cholesterol removal from the bloodstream, further increasing the risk of CAD.
C. "Increased LDL has the potential to decrease my risk of heart disease":
This statement is incorrect. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
D. "The increased LDL will decrease the amount of cholesterol deposited on the artery walls":
This statement is incorrect. Increased LDL levels contribute to the deposition of cholesterol on artery walls, leading to the formation of plaque and narrowing of the arteries, which is detrimental to heart health.
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