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A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours.

Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

A.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

B.

White blood cell (WBC) Count.

C.

Rheumatoid factor (RF).

D.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:
The ESR is a common blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. Inflammation can cause the cells to settle faster, and this test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments like aspirin.
Choice B rationale:
The WBC count is a measure of the body’s immune response and is not directly affected by aspirin.
Choice C rationale:
The RF is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not change with aspirin treatment.
Choice D rationale:
The ANA is a test used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, and it is not affected by aspirin.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A WBC count of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range (4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm³) and is not a priority.
Choice B rationale:
A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm³) and is not a priority.
Choice C rationale:
A positive Western blot test confirms HIV infection, but it is not a priority in this case.
Choice D rationale:
A CD4-T-cell count of 180 cells/mm³ is below the normal range (500 to 1,500 cells/mm³), indicating severe immune system damage in a client with HIV. This is the nurse’s priority.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

  • Vision (Blurred)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Blurred vision can be a sign of lithium toxicity. Despite the lithium level improving, this symptom indicates that neurotoxicity may still be present.

  • Lithium Level (1.2 mEq/L)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: The lithium level has decreased from 1.8 mEq/L (toxic) to 1.2 mEq/L, which is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). This indicates that treatment to lower lithium toxicity is effective.

  • Urine Output (40 mL/hr)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within the acceptable range (normal is greater than 30 mL/hr), suggesting that kidney function is adequate and not compromised by lithium toxicity.

  • Mucous Membranes (Pale, Dry)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Pale, dry mucous membranes suggest dehydration, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity and negatively affect overall health.

  • Vital Signs (BP 88/50 mm Hg, Pulse 96/min)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: The drop in blood pressure from 130/84 mm Hg to 88/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension. This could be related to dehydration or lithium toxicity, and it requires follow-up as the condition is deteriorating.

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