The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue.
Which of the client’s serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?
Total protein.
Hemoglobin.
Glucose.
Sodium.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Total protein is a measure of the overall protein content in the blood. It includes albumin and globulin.
While it can be helpful in assessing nutritional status and liver function, it is not directly relevant to the client's current symptoms of pallor and fatigue.
Decreased total protein can indicate malnutrition or liver disease, but these conditions would not typically cause the specific symptoms of pallor and fatigue.
Therefore, total protein is not the most important laboratory value to review in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Paleness (pallor) is a common sign of anemia, which is a condition characterized by a low hemoglobin level. Fatigue is also a common symptom of anemia, as the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen.
Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to anemia. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to review the client's hemoglobin level to assess for potential anemia.
Choice C rationale:
Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy.
Abnormal glucose levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue. However, glucose levels would not typically cause pallor.
Additionally, there is no indication in the question stem that the client has any risk factors for diabetes or other disorders that affect glucose metabolism.
Therefore, glucose is not the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
Abnormal sodium levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue and weakness. However, sodium levels would not typically cause pallor.
Additionally, there is no indication in the question stem that the client has any risk factors for electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, sodium is not the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody results are not directly relevant to the diagnosis or management of acute pancreatitis. While H. pylori infection can cause gastritis and peptic ulcers, it is not a common cause of pancreatitis.
Urine output amounts are important to monitor in patients with pancreatitis to assess for dehydration and kidney function. However, they are not as specific to the diagnosis of pancreatitis as other findings.
Rationale for Choice B:
Reports of chronic constipation are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis.
Serum gastrin levels are used to diagnose conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is characterized by excessive acid production in the stomach. They are not relevant to the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Rationale for Choice C:
Severity of nausea and vomiting are key symptoms of pancreatitis. The severity of these symptoms can help to gauge the severity of the pancreatitis and guide treatment decisions.
Serum amylase results are a highly sensitive and specific marker for pancreatitis. Elevated levels of amylase in the blood strongly suggest the presence of pancreatitis.
Rationale for Choice D:
Presence of bowel sounds can be variable in patients with pancreatitis and are not always reliable indicators of the severity of the condition.
Degree of abdominal pain is a subjective symptom that can be difficult to assess accurately. While it is an important symptom of pancreatitis, it is not as objective as other findings such as serum amylase levels.
Therefore, the most valuable information to report to the healthcare provider in this case is the severity of nausea and vomiting and serum amylase results.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Colloidal oatmeal-based lotion: While colloidal oatmeal can soothe and moisturize dry, itchy skin, it does not have the anti- inflammatory properties necessary to effectively treat the underlying inflammation of psoriasis.
It may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but it won't address the root cause of the condition.
Choice B rationale:
Topical corticosteroids: These medications are the mainstay of treatment for psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells.
Topical corticosteroids come in a variety of strengths and formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, lotions, and sprays. The choice of formulation will depend on the severity of the psoriasis, the location of the lesions, and the patient's preferences. Choice C rationale:
Topical analgesics: Topical analgesics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, can help to relieve pain and itching associated with psoriasis.
However, they do not address the underlying inflammation and are not a long-term solution for managing the condition. They are typically used as adjunctive therapy, in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments.
Choice D rationale:
Topical antifungals: Topical antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. They are not effective in treating psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition, not a fungal infection.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today