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:

Spasm of a major coronary artery, also known as variant (Prinzmetal's) angina, typically occurs at rest and is not necessarily provoked by exertion. The patient's chest pain is exacerbated by exertion, making this choice less likely.

Choice B rationale:

Exposure of the thrombogenic surface to plaque refers to acute coronary syndromes like unstable angina or myocardial infarction. While plaque rupture and thrombosis can cause myocardial ischemia, the characteristic feature of these conditions is chest pain that may not be relieved by rest, unlike the patient described here.

Choice D rationale:

Myocardial ischemia secondary to microvascular disease, also known as cardiac syndrome X, is a condition where chest pain occurs without significant coronary artery stenosis. However, this condition usually affects women, and the pain is often unrelated to exertion. In the given case, the pain is provoked by exertion, making this choice less likely.

A. Sodium level of 136 mEq/L, potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L. B. Sodium level of 145 mEq/L, potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L. C. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L, potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L. D. Sodium level of 144 mEq/L, potassium level of 3.7 mEq/L.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The sodium level is within the normal range, but the potassium level is slightly elevated. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.

Choice B rationale:

The sodium level is slightly elevated, and the potassium level is within the normal range. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.

Choice C rationale:

Sodium level of 135 mEq/L, potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is the correct answer. In this option, both sodium and potassium levels are within normal ranges. Changing the IV prescription to DSNS with 20 mEq KCl/L ensures that the patient receives adequate hydration (from the dextrose and normal saline) without causing hyperkalemia.

Choice D rationale:

The sodium level is slightly elevated, and the potassium level is within the normal range. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.

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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

A patient reports episodic chest pain lasting a few minutes that is provoked by exertion and relieved within 10 minutes upon resting.Which cause of the patient's symptoms would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse receives a health care provider's prescription to change a patient's IV from D5. half-normal saline with 40 mEq KCl/L to DSNS with 20 mEq KCl/L. Which set of serum laboratory values supports the rationale for this IV prescription change?

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?