A parent brings a 2-week-old infant to a clinic for a phenylketonuria rescreening blood test. The test indicates a serum phenylalanine level of 1 mg/dL (60.5 mcmol/L). The nurse reviews this result and makes which interpretation?
It is inconclusive
it is negative
it requires rescreening at age 6 weeks.
It is positive
The Correct Answer is B
A. It is inconclusive
Explanation: A serum phenylalanine level within the normal range is considered conclusive in ruling out phenylketonuria. Inconclusive results typically occur when there are issues with the sample or testing process.
B. It is negative
Explanation:
A serum phenylalanine level of 1 mg/dL (60.5 mcmol/L) in a 2-week-old infant is within the normal range. In the context of phenylketonuria (PKU) screening, a "negative" result means that the phenylalanine levels are within the expected range, and there is no evidence of phenylketonuria.
C. It requires rescreening at age 6 weeks.
Explanation: If the initial screening result is within the normal range, rescreening at age 6 weeks may not be necessary for phenylketonuria. The timing and need for rescreening may vary based on local protocols and individual patient factors.
D. It is positive
Explanation: A positive result for phenylketonuria would indicate that the serum phenylalanine levels are elevated, suggesting a potential diagnosis of PKU. In this case, the result is negative, meaning there is no evidence of PKU.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A."The manifestations are lessened by taking the prednisone every other day instead of daily."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics can be related to prolonged corticosteroid use. Adjusting the dosing schedule, such as administering prednisone every other day instead of daily, may help minimize these manifestations.
B."You need to be sure to talk to the doctor about the Cushingoid characteristics."
Explanation: Open communication with the healthcare provider is crucial. Discussing the concerns about Cushingoid characteristics with the doctor allows for appropriate evaluation and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.
C."Which manifestations of this condition do you find most troublesome?"
Explanation: This question opens the discussion to identify specific concerns and allows the nurse to address them individually.
D."I am sure it will be all right; they hardly look unusual."
Explanation: This statement may downplay the parents' concerns. It's essential to acknowledge their worries and provide accurate information about the potential impact of corticosteroids and the plan for managing Cushingoid characteristics.
E."The Cushingoid appearance will gradually disappear once the corticosteroids are tapered and discontinued."
Explanation: Cushingoid characteristics are associated with the side effects of corticosteroid use. The nurse should provide reassurance that, in many cases, these characteristics can gradually improve once the corticosteroid dose is tapered and eventually discontinued.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The immunization schedule will need to be altered."
Incorrect: This is too vague and does not provide specific information about the child's immunization schedule.
B. "The child will receive all of the immunizations except for the polio series."
Incorrect: There is no indication that the child should not receive the polio vaccine. Children with cystic fibrosis are generally recommended to receive all appropriate vaccinations.
C. "The child will receive the recommended basic series of immunizations along with a yearly influenza vaccination."
Correct Answer: Children with cystic fibrosis should receive the recommended basic series of immunizations, including vaccines for diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, and others. Additionally, they should receive a yearly influenza vaccination to help prevent respiratory complications.
D. "The child should not receive any hepatitis vaccines."
Incorrect: There is no general contraindication for children with cystic fibrosis to receive hepatitis vaccines. The nurse should recommend the appropriate vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, as per the standard immunization schedule.

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