The nurse is preparing to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) rectally to a patient with an irregular pulse and weakness of the lower extremities.
What laboratory finding does the nurse determine is the reason for this treatment?

Choice A rationale

Radiating pain to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (MI) due to referred pain from the heart.

Choice B rationale

Shortness of breath can also be associated with MI but is not as specific as radiating pain to the left arm.

Choice C rationale

Headache is not a typical symptom of an MI. It is more commonly associated with other conditions.

Choice D rationale

Nausea and vomiting can occur with an MI but are not as specific as radiating pain to the left arm.

Choice A rationale

A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the client's overall health and presence of infection, but it does not specifically address the potential underlying cause related to the urinary system.

Choice B rationale

Urinalysis with culture is the most relevant diagnostic test for evaluating the underlying cause of fever, chills, and severe left costovertebral pain. These symptoms suggest a possible urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis, which can be confirmed with urinalysis and culture.

Choice C rationale

A chest X-ray would not be the priority in this scenario as the symptoms suggest a urinary tract issue rather than a respiratory problem. A chest X-ray is more useful for assessing lung conditions.

Choice D rationale

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can be helpful in evaluating the extent of a urinary tract infection or identifying other causes of abdominal pain, but it is typically not the first-line diagnostic test. Urinalysis with culture is more specific for identifying urinary infections. .