A healthy 70-year-old patient has low hemoglobin levels and no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
The nurse recognizes which item is an effect of aging that could be the reason for the low hemoglobin level?

Low level of hepcidin.

Increase in iron-binding capacity.

Decrease in intestinal absorption of iron.

Decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

A low level of hepcidin would not cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting the absorption of iron from the intestines and promoting its storage in cells.

Choice B rationale:

An increase in iron-binding capacity typically occurs in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body tries to increase its capacity to transport iron. This would not cause a low hemoglobin level in an otherwise healthy individual.

Choice C rationale:

Aging often leads to a decrease in the efficiency of nutrient absorption, including iron. This decrease in intestinal absorption of iron can result in low hemoglobin levels in elderly individuals. It's a common cause of anemia in the elderly population.

Choice D rationale:

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. A decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys would lead to anemia, but it is not a typical effect of aging and is usually associated with kidney disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Purpura refers to purple or red discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. It is larger than petechiae and ecchymosis and could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Petechiae are small, red or purple dots that appear on the skin due to minor bleeding from broken capillaries. In the context of leukemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), petechiae are common due to impaired clotting mechanisms.

Choice B rationale:

Bruising occurs due to damage to blood vessels underneath the skin, resulting in the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues. Bruises are typically larger than petechiae and can occur with various conditions, including trauma. In this case, the small 1-mm red macules are more indicative of petechiae.

Choice D rationale:

Ecchymosis refers to a larger area of subcutaneous bleeding or bruising. It is larger than both petechiae and purpura and often results from more significant trauma or bleeding disorders. The description of multiple 1-mm red macules is characteristic of petechiae rather than ecchymosis.

A. Palpate lymph nodes for swelling. B. Check temperature for elevation. C. Inspect skin for bruising or petechiae. D. Examine oral mucosa for ulceration.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Palpating lymph nodes for swelling is not directly related to thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Checking lymph nodes is more relevant in assessing for infection or malignancy.

Choice B rationale:

Checking temperature for elevation is important for assessing infection, which could be a cause of thrombocytopenia. However, in this context, inspecting the skin for bruising or petechiae is more specific to thrombocytopenia. Petechiae are small, red or purple dots that appear on the skin when platelet count is low.

Choice D rationale:

Examining oral mucosa for ulceration is essential in the assessment of conditions like oral cancer or infection. While thrombocytopenia could lead to bleeding in the oral mucosa, it is not the most specific or immediate concern in a patient with known thrombocytopenia.

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A healthy 70-year-old patient has low hemoglobin levels and no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.The nurse recognizes which item is an effect of aging that could be the reason for the low hemoglobin level?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

With which term will the nurse document the finding after noting multiple 1-mm red macules when assessing the skin of a patient with leukemia and thrombocytopenia?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

After noting that a patient with leukemia has thrombocytopenia, which action will the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A healthy 70-year-old patient has low hemoglobin levels and no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
The nurse recognizes which item is an effect of aging that could be the reason for the low hemoglobin level?