A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following values should give the nurse the best indication of the client's renal function?
Serum creatinine
Serum sodium
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Urine-specific gravity
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Serum creatinine is a waste product that is produced by muscle metabolism and is normally excreted by the kidneys.
When kidney function is impaired, creatinine levels in the blood increase, making it a sensitive and specific indicator of renal function.
It is considered one of the most reliable markers for assessing kidney function and is routinely used to screen for and monitor kidney disease.
Choice B rationale:
Serum sodium is an electrolyte that is regulated by the kidneys, but it is not a direct measure of renal function. Sodium levels can be affected by various factors, including fluid intake, medications, and hormonal imbalances.
While abnormal sodium levels can sometimes be a sign of kidney dysfunction, they can also occur due to other conditions, making it less specific as an indicator of renal function.
Choice C rationale:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product that is produced by the breakdown of proteins and is normally excreted by the kidneys.
However, BUN levels can be influenced by factors other than kidney function, such as dietary protein intake, dehydration, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
This makes BUN less specific than serum creatinine as a marker of renal function.
Choice D rationale:
Urine-specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine, which can provide some information about kidney function.
However, it is not as sensitive or specific as serum creatinine.
Urine-specific gravity can be affected by factors such as fluid intake and hydration status, which can make it less reliable as an indicator of renal function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Exercise.
Choice A: Exercise Exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and is not typically a factor that exacerbates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, regular physical activity can be an important part of the overall treatment plan for individuals with SLE. It can boost energy levels, improve joint flexibility, and help alleviate stress. Therefore, if a patient with SLE identifies exercise as a factor that can exacerbate their condition, it indicates a need for further teaching.
Choice B: Diet Certain diets can potentially trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For instance, a chemical found in alfalfa may trigger lupus symptoms, so patients may want to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts or taking supplements with alfalfa. Therefore, diet is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice C: Sunlight Exposure to sunlight can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For those with lupus, being in the sun can lead to symptoms like skin rashes, itching, burning, joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. In certain cases, it can also result in damage to internal organs. Therefore, sunlight is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice D: Infection Infections can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. Rates of infections are higher among persons with SLE compared with the general population. Therefore, infection is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
History of rheumatologic conditions: Research has demonstrated a link between fibromyalgia and other rheumatologic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. Individuals with these conditions may have a predisposition to developing fibromyalgia due to shared genetic factors, immune system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation.
Choice B rationale:
Nutritional deficiency: While nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, magnesium, and iron, have been associated with fibromyalgia symptoms, there's not enough evidence to establish them as direct risk factors for its development.
Nutritional deficiencies can worsen pain and fatigue, but they aren't considered primary causes of fibromyalgia.
Choice C rationale:
Previous injury to the bone: Past bone injuries typically aren't considered a risk factor for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that affects muscles and soft tissues, not bones themselves. While pain from an injury might trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, it's not a direct cause.
Choice D rationale:
Deep sleep deprivation: Sleep disturbances, especially disruptions in deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep), are strongly linked to fibromyalgia. Deep sleep is crucial for restorative processes in the body, including pain regulation. Insufficient deep sleep can lead to heightened pain sensitivity and contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.
Choice E rationale:
Physical and emotional trauma: Physical and emotional trauma, such as experiencing accidents, abuse, or significant psychological stress, can significantly increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Trauma can trigger changes in the brain's pain processing pathways and stress hormone regulation, contributing to chronic pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
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