A client seen in the clinic with shortness of breath and fatigue is being evaluated for a possible diagnosis of heart failure. Which laboratory result will be the most useful for diagnosing heart failure?
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Troponin I
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Platelet levels
The Correct Answer is A
A. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP levels are elevated in heart failure due to increased pressure and stretch in the heart's chambers. It is a key marker used to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.
B. Troponin I: This marker is used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack) rather than heart failure. Elevated troponin levels indicate damage to the heart muscle.
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): BUN levels can be elevated in heart failure due to decreased renal perfusion, but it is not as specific for diagnosing heart failure as BNP.
D. Platelet levels: Platelet levels are not directly related to the diagnosis of heart failure. They are more relevant for assessing clotting disorders and other conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Acetaminophen: While acetaminophen can help manage fever, it is not a primary treatment for acute thyrotoxicosis. The management of acute thyrotoxicosis involves addressing the overproduction of thyroid hormones, not just symptom relief.
B. Furosemide: Furosemide is a diuretic used for fluid retention and hypertension, not for managing thyrotoxicosis. It does not address the underlying cause of acute thyrotoxicosis.
C. Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication that also has the effect of inhibiting cortisol synthesis and can be used to treat acute thyrotoxicosis by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. It is used as part of a broader treatment plan.
D. Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism by providing synthetic thyroid hormone. It is not used to treat thyrotoxicosis, which involves excessive thyroid hormone levels, not deficiency.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia: These are not typical indicators of parathyroid damage. Hypercalcemia usually results from overactive parathyroid glands, while hyperkalemia is not a common result of parathyroid damage.
B. Muscle twitching and tingling around the mouth: These symptoms are indicative of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged during thyroid surgery. This results in hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which causes neuromuscular symptoms like muscle twitching and tingling.
C. Harsh, vibratory breath sounds: These are not related to parathyroid damage. They may suggest respiratory issues, not problems with calcium regulation.
D. Hyperthermia and hypertension: These are not associated with parathyroid damage. They may be related to other post-surgical complications but not specifically to parathyroid gland injury.
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