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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. IV hydrocortisone: In an Addisonian crisis, there is an acute adrenal insufficiency which requires immediate treatment with IV hydrocortisone to replace the deficient glucocorticoids. This helps to rapidly correct the hormone imbalance and stabilize the patient.
B. Ketoconazole and insulin: Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat Cushing syndrome, not Addisonian crisis. Insulin is used for managing blood glucose levels and is not directly related to the treatment of an Addisonian crisis.
C. Lactated Ringer's IV infusion: While fluid replacement may be necessary in an Addisonian crisis, the immediate priority is to address the adrenal insufficiency with hydrocortisone. Lactated Ringer's may be used to support fluid balance but is not a substitute for glucocorticoid therapy.
D. Furosemide slow IV push: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention and is not indicated for treating Addisonian crisis. The primary treatment for Addisonian crisis is to address the adrenal hormone deficiency with hydrocortisone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP levels are elevated in heart failure due to the heart's response to increased pressure and volume overload. This biomarker is used specifically to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.
B. Troponin I: This is a marker for myocardial injury and is used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction rather than heart failure.
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): While elevated BUN can be associated with renal dysfunction or fluid overload in heart failure, it is not specific to diagnosing heart failure.
D. Platelet levels: These are not directly related to diagnosing heart failure and do not provide information about cardiac function.
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