A client is admitted to the hospital with suspected rheumatic endocarditis. Which of the following laboratory tests would assist in confirming the diagnosis?
Liver enzymes
Serum albumin
Throat culture
Arterial blood gases
The Correct Answer is C
Title: Choice A reason: Liver enzymes Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They include alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). High levels of liver enzymes in the blood can indicate liver disease. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver condition. Therefore, while liver enzymes are important for diagnosing liver conditions, they would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.
Title: Choice B reason: Serum albumin Serum albumin is a type of protein that your liver and kidneys produce to help your body maintain fluid balance and function. Low or high albumin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiency. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver or kidney condition. Therefore, while serum albumin is important for diagnosing liver and kidney conditions, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.
Title: Choice C reason: Throat culture A throat culture is a lab test used to find and identify germs in the back of your mouth that are making you sick. It can diagnose infections like strep throat, gonorrhea, thrush, diphtheria, and pertussis. Rheumatic endocarditis is often caused by a streptococcal infection, which can be identified through a throat culture. Therefore, a throat culture would assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.
Title: Choice D reason: Arterial blood gases An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood as well as the pH balance in your blood. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition that is often caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, while an ABG test is important for diagnosing conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range (7-20 mg/dL) and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI.
Choice B reason: Serum Osmolality of 290 mOsm/kg H2O is within the normal range (275-295 mOsm/kg H2O) and does not suggest an increased risk of AKI.
Choice C reason: A Magnesium level of 2.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.7-2.2 mEq/L) and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI.
Choice D reason: An elevated serum creatinine level, such as 1.8 mg/dL, indicates decreased kidney function and is a risk factor for AKI, especially post-MI where the kidneys may be vulnerable due to reduced cardiac output and potential nephrotoxic interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:Atrial fibrillation is not typically treated with defibrillation; it is usually managed with medication or other forms of rhythm control.
Choice B reason:Supraventricular tachycardia does not usually require defibrillation; it may be treated with vagal maneuvers or medication.
Choice C reason:Asystole, or the absence of a heartbeat, is not treated with defibrillation as there is no electrical activity to reset.
Choice D reason:Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.
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