The nurse is caring for a client who has signs and symptoms of heart failure. Which of the following diagnostic tests is appropriate to assess the patient’s heart failure?
International normalized ratio (INR)
Brain natriuric peptide (BNP)
Troponin
Creatinine
The Correct Answer is B
A. International normalized ratio (INR):
INR is a test used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, particularly drugs like warfarin. It measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It's not directly related to assessing heart failure but is more associated with monitoring anticoagulation status.
B. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP):
BNP is a peptide released by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume in the heart, often seen in heart failure. Elevated BNP levels can indicate the presence of heart failure. It's a useful diagnostic marker for heart failure.
C. Troponin:
Troponin is a protein released into the blood when there is damage to the heart muscle, usually during a heart attack. It is not specific to heart failure but is commonly used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack).
D. Creatinine:
Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles. While elevated creatinine levels can be seen in conditions affecting kidney function, it's not a direct marker for assessing heart failure. However, kidney function is often evaluated in conjunction with heart failure assessments.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Maintaining a diet high in dairy to increase protein necessary to prevent organ damage
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. While a balanced diet is important, there is no specific recommendation to maintain a diet high in dairy to prevent organ damage related to hypertension.
B. Use of strategies to prevent falls stemming from postural hypotension
Explanation: This is a correct and important consideration. Beta-blockers can cause postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), and strategies to prevent falls, such as rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, are crucial.
C. Limiting exercise to avoid injury that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Exercise is generally beneficial for individuals with hypertension, and beta-blockers do not cause increased intracranial pressure.
D. Increasing fluids to avoid extracellular volume depletion from the diuretic effects of the beta-blocker
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Beta-blockers are not typically associated with diuretic effects. Diuretics are a different class of medications commonly used for hypertension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Explanation: The signs and symptoms described, including crackles, orthopnea, S3 heart sound, cough with pink, frothy sputum, and low pulse oximetry, are more indicative of heart failure than COPD.
B. The development of left-sided heart failure
Explanation: This is the correct answer. The signs and symptoms, such as crackles, orthopnea, and cough with pink, frothy sputum, are characteristic of left-sided heart failure. The S3 heart sound is often associated with increased ventricular filling pressures.
C. The development of right-sided heart failure
Explanation: The presented signs and symptoms are more consistent with left-sided heart failure. Right-sided heart failure is often associated with peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, and jugular venous distension.
D. The development of cor pulmonale
Explanation: Cor pulmonale is typically associated with right-sided heart failure due to chronic lung disease. The signs and symptoms described are more indicative of left-sided heart failure.
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