A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was admitted with a history of multiple myeloma. The nurse should expect to find an increase in which of the following laboratory values?
White blood cell count (WBC)
Calcium
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
Platelets
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason : In multiple myeloma, the white blood cell count (WBC) is not typically elevated. Multiple myeloma primarily affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, but it does not usually result in an increased WBC count. Instead, the disease is characterized by the presence of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can crowd out healthy blood cells¹.
Choice B reason : Patients with multiple myeloma often have elevated calcium levels, a condition known as hypercalcemia. This occurs because the cancerous plasma cells produce substances that cause bones to break down at a rate faster than they are made, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Symptoms of hypercalcemia can include fatigue, weakness, confusion, and increased thirst and urination¹².
Choice C reason : The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is not typically increased in multiple myeloma. ANC is a measure of the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important for fighting infections. While multiple myeloma can affect overall bone marrow function, it does not specifically cause an increase in ANC.
Choice D reason : Platelet counts are not typically elevated in multiple myeloma. In fact, patients may experience thrombocytopenia, or a low platelet count, due to the overproduction of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can interfere with the production of platelets¹.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : The plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign, is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. A positive response is indicated by dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants but may indicate central nervous system damage in adults¹. However, it is not specifically associated with meningeal irritation.
Choice B reason : Kernig's sign is a clinical sign wherein the patient experiences severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This sign can indicate meningeal irritation but is not as early a sign as Brudzinski's sign².
Choice C reason : Brudzinski's sign is one of the most indicative signs of meningeal irritation. When the neck is flexed, there is involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This reflex is an early sign of meningeal irritation and is considered a critical manifestation in assessing meningitis following head trauma².
Choice D reason : Sunsetting eyes, characterized by the downward deviation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like hydrocephalus. While it may be seen in the context of brain injury, it is not a specific sign of meningeal irritation³.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms¹.
Choice B reason : Jugular venous distention is typically a sign of right-sided heart failure, indicating increased pressure in the right atrium and venous system. It is not a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure¹.
Choice C reason : Dependent edema, or swelling in the lower extremities, is also more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates due to poor venous return. In left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs rather than the extremities¹.
Choice D reason : A hacking cough, especially when lying down, is a symptom of left-sided heart failure, as fluid backs up into the lungs causing pulmonary congestion. This can lead to coughing and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or when lying flat¹.
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