A nurse is caring for a patient who has rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory tests are used to diagnose the disease? (Select all that apply)
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer
BUN
Urinalysis
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
White blood cell count
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer is a blood test that detects the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which are autoantibodies that target the body's own tissues. These antibodies are often present in people with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
While a positive ANA test does not definitively diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, it can support a diagnosis when considered alongside other clinical findings and laboratory tests.

Choice B rationale:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a blood test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down proteins.
BUN levels can be elevated in people with kidney disease, dehydration, or certain other medical conditions. However, BUN is not specifically used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Urinalysis is a test that examines the urine for various substances, including cells, bacteria, and chemicals.
It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes. However, urinalysis is not typically used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube.
A high ESR can indicate inflammation in the body.
ESR is often elevated in people with rheumatoid arthritis, as it is a marker of inflammation.
Choice E rationale:
White blood cell count (WBC) is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system and help fight infection.
A high WBC count can indicate an infection or inflammation.
WBC count can be elevated in people with rheumatoid arthritis, as it is a marker of inflammation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Donning sterile gloves before inserting the indwelling urinary catheter is a standard practice in healthcare to prevent infection. The urinary tract is normally sterile, and the use of sterile gloves helps maintain this sterility during the catheter insertion process. Choice B rationale:
Oil-based lubricants should not be used with indwelling urinary catheters. These lubricants can damage the catheter material and increase the risk of infection. Instead, water-soluble lubricants are recommended as they do not damage the catheter and can reduce patient discomfort during the insertion process.
Choice C rationale:
Testing the balloon on the indwelling urinary catheter before insertion is a critical step. This is done to ensure that the balloon inflates and deflates properly. If the balloon does not function correctly, it could cause discomfort or injury to the patient during insertion and could fail to keep the catheter in place once inserted.
Choice D rationale:
Cleaning the patient’s urinary meatus with one cotton swab is a part of the standard procedure before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. This step is taken to remove any bacteria present at the site of insertion, thereby reducing the risk of introducing bacteria into the bladder during the catheter insertion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering insulin is a crucial step in managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as insulin deficiency is a primary cause of DKA12. However, it is not the first action to take when a patient presents with both DKA and hypoxia. While insulin helps to reduce blood glucose levels and suppress the production of ketones, it does not address the immediate life-threatening condition of hypoxia.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen in the body, is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Supplemental oxygen can help increase the oxygen levels in the patient’s blood, thereby alleviating hypoxia. In the context of a patient with DKA and hypoxia, providing supplemental oxygen would be the first action to take to stabilize the patient’s condition before addressing the DKA12.
Choice C rationale:
Checking the patient’s glucose level is an important part of managing DKA, as hyperglycemia is a key feature of this condition. However, it is not the first action to take in this scenario. While monitoring glucose levels can guide the administration of insulin and other treatments for DKA, it does not address the immediate threat posed by hypoxia.
Choice D rationale:
Administering intravenous fluids is another important step in managing DKA12. Dehydration is a common complication of DKA due to excessive urination caused by high blood sugar levels. However, similar to Choices A and C, while it is an important part of treatment, it is not the first action to take when a patient presents with both DKA and hypoxia.
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