A nurse is evaluating the laboratory report for a client who has severe diarrhea and a fever. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client has a parasitic infection rather than a bacterial infection?
Decreased neutrophil count
Elevated eosinophil count
Increased hemoglobin level
Elevated platelet count
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: A decreased neutrophil count is not typically associated with parasitic infections. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that responds to bacterial infections, so a decrease might be seen in viral infections or certain inflammatory conditions, but not specifically indicative of a parasitic infection.
Choice B reason: An elevated eosinophil count is often associated with parasitic infections, especially those involving tissue invasion. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response against parasitic infections. Normal eosinophil counts range from 0 to 500 cells per microliter of blood.
Choice C reason: An increased hemoglobin level is generally not related to the presence of a parasitic infection. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by various conditions, but they do not serve as a specific indicator for parasitic infections.
Choice D reason: An elevated platelet count can occur in various conditions, including inflammatory states and infections, but it is not a specific marker for parasitic infections. Platelets are components of blood that help with clotting and would not be used to differentiate between bacterial and parasitic infections.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The normal range for serum creatinine is indeed 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. As kidneys become impaired for any reason, the serum creatinine level rises due to poor clearance by the kidneys.
Choice B reason: A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m for three months or more is one of the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. GFR is a measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, and a lower GFR indicates poorer kidney function.
Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels should indeed be between 7 and 20 mg/dL. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. BUN levels can rise with the level of protein in your diet and your kidney function[^10^].
Choice D reason: An increase in serum potassium can indicate hyperkalemia, which may be a sign of acute kidney injury. Potassium is a critical electrolyte, and its levels are tightly regulated by the kidneys. High levels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The statement is incorrect because TSH does not attach to a protein in the blood; it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Choice B reason: This choice is partially correct. TSH does stimulate the thyroid gland, but the main purpose of the test is not to measure the 'feeding' of the gland but to assess its function and how well it's producing thyroid hormones.
Choice C reason: This is the correct statement. TSH levels are measured to determine the thyroid gland's activity, which directly influences the metabolic rate. The normal range for TSH levels in adults is typically 0.4 to 4.0 milliunits per liter (mU/L). However, these values can vary slightly based on the laboratory and the age of the individual.
Choice D reason: While TSH does influence energy levels by regulating thyroid hormone production, this choice does not directly explain the purpose of measuring TSH levels.
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