A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?
Complete blood count
Platelet count
Serum electrolytes
Liver enzymes
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is the most relevant laboratory value to review for a client with iron deficiency anemia who reports increased fatigue. The CBC will provide important information about the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, which are directly affected by iron deficiency. Monitoring these values will help determine if the client’s anemia is worsening or if the iron supplements are not effectively improving the blood count.
Choice B reason: The platelet count is part of a CBC but is not directly related to the symptoms of fatigue in iron deficiency anemia. While platelet levels are important for assessing clotting function, they do not provide the necessary information about red blood cell levels or hemoglobin concentration that are central to diagnosing and managing anemia.
Choice C reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall health and hydration status, but they are not specifically related to the client’s anemia or the symptom of fatigue. Electrolyte imbalances typically do not cause fatigue related to anemia, so this is not the primary laboratory value to review in this context.
Choice D reason: Liver enzymes are important for assessing liver function and potential liver damage, but they are not directly related to iron deficiency anemia or the symptom of fatigue. While it is important to monitor liver health, especially if the client is on medications that affect the liver, the complete blood count is more relevant to the symptoms described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Comparing the capillary refill in the hands is a useful assessment for evaluating peripheral circulation, but it is not specific to diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve, and capillary refill does not provide information about nerve compression.
Choice B reason: Determining the client's sleeping position may provide insight into factors that exacerbate symptoms, but it does not directly assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. While certain positions might worsen the condition, this information alone is not diagnostic.
Choice C reason: Applying firm pressure over the ulnar artery is not relevant to assessing carpal tunnel syndrome. The ulnar artery supplies blood to the hand, but carpal tunnel syndrome involves the median nerve, not the ulnar artery.
Choice D reason: Tapping the client's wrists to locate the pain, known as Tinel's sign, is a specific test for carpal tunnel syndrome. Tinel's sign is positive when tapping over the median nerve at the wrist elicits tingling or pain in the fingers, indicating nerve compression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: An old friend with eczema coming for a visit is unlikely to cause an exacerbation of the client's symptoms. Eczema is not contagious, so contact with another person who has eczema should not worsen the condition. This choice does not provide useful information about potential triggers for the eczema flare-up.
Choice B reason: Receiving an influenza immunization is generally safe for individuals with eczema and is unlikely to cause an exacerbation of symptoms. Vaccinations do not typically provoke eczema flare-ups. This choice does not offer relevant information regarding potential causes of the worsening eczema symptoms.
Choice C reason: The application of corticosteroid cream to eczema is a common treatment to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. It is unlikely to cause an exacerbation of eczema; in fact, it should help improve the condition. This choice does not explain the recent worsening of the eczema.
Choice D reason: A recent visit from a grandson and his new dog is a plausible trigger for an eczema flare-up. Pets, particularly new ones, can introduce allergens such as pet dander and saliva, which can aggravate eczema. This choice provides the most relevant information for determining the potential cause of the exacerbation.
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