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 {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"C"}}
Explanation
Temperature: 98.9°F
- Neither Disease Process Nor Medication Use:
The temperature is within normal range and does not indicate an infection or other abnormality.
Heart Rate: 112 beats per minute
- Disease Process:
The elevated heart rate (tachycardia) is most likely due to the asthma attack, which increases respiratory effort and oxygen demand. Anxiety from the attack could also contribute.
Respirations: 28 breaths per minute
- Disease Process:
The elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea) is consistent with the asthma attack and respiratory distress, a hallmark of the disease process.
Blood Pressure: 130/86 mmHg
- Neither Disease Process Nor Medication Use:
This value is slightly elevated but not significantly enough to be directly attributed to asthma or medication. It could be situational due to stress or anxiety.
Oxygen Saturation: 88%
- Disease Process:
The low oxygen saturation is indicative of hypoxemia caused by bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange during the asthma attack.
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