A client is seen in the emergency department with a heart failure exacerbation due to noncompliance with medications and fluid restrictions. Which key diagnostic result should the nurse assess to determine the severity of the client's heart failure exacerbation?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Troponin
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Electrocardiogram
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevated BUN can indicate kidney dysfunction but is not specific for assessing heart failure severity.
B. Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury or infarction, not heart failure exacerbation.
C. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are directly correlated with the severity of heart failure, as they are released in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload.
D. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can show arrhythmias or ischemia but does not directly measure heart failure severity.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pleural effusion may be a complication of heart failure but does not directly explain the decreased urine output and elevated serum creatinine.
B. Myocardial infarction would present with different symptoms, such as chest pain, rather than decreased urine output and elevated creatinine.
C. Cardiorenal syndrome refers to the interdependence of the heart and kidneys, where chronic heart failure leads to worsening kidney function, causing symptoms like decreased urine output and elevated serum creatinine.
D. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is related to the use of heparin and presents with low platelet counts, not decreased urine output and elevated creatinine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While a platelet transfusion can temporarily increase platelet counts, it does not reduce the destruction of platelets in ITP and is generally not effective as a long-term solution.
B. Replacement of ADAMTS-13 is relevant in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), not ITP. It is not used for reducing platelet destruction in ITP.
C. Protamine sulfate is an antidote for heparin overdose and does not address the platelet destruction in ITP.
D. A laparoscopic splenectomy is often considered for clients with ITP who do not respond to medication therapy. The spleen is a primary site for platelet destruction, and its removal can reduce the destruction of platelets, leading to increased platelet counts.
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