The patient's Hemoglobin A1C today is 8.29% and was 7.59% three months ago. The reference range is 4 to 5.99%. What is the likely diagnosis?
Diabetes Mellitus
Hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia
Prediabetes
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) is a blood test that reflects a person's average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It's considered the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
An HbA1C level of 8.29% is significantly elevated above the reference range of 4-5.99%, indicating a high probability of diabetes.
The patient's HbA1C has also increased from 7.59% three months ago, suggesting a worsening of glycemic control.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to impaired insulin production or action, or both.
Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds.
Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are crucial to prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoglycemia refers to abnormally low blood glucose levels, typically below 70 mg/dL. It's often caused by excessive insulin or medication, missed meals, or strenuous exercise.
The patient's HbA1C level of 8.29% does not support a diagnosis of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperglycemia refers to abnormally high blood glucose levels, typically above 180 mg/dL. It can be caused by diabetes, stress, infection, or certain medications.
While the patient's HbA1C level does indicate hyperglycemia, it's specifically the pattern of elevated HbA1C over time that points to a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, rather than transient hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes.
The patient's HbA1C level of 8.29% is above the threshold for prediabetes, which is typically 5.7-6.4%.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Autoimmune responses occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. They are not typically triggered by allergens like bee stings.
Autoimmune responses often develop slowly over time and present with symptoms related to the specific tissues being attacked.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, along with the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of an autoimmune response.
Choice B rationale:
Type II hypersensitivity reactions involve antibodies that target and destroy cells or tissues. These reactions often take hours or days to develop, rather than minutes.
Examples of type II hypersensitivity reactions include transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and some autoimmune diseases.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case is not consistent with a type II hypersensitivity reaction.
Choice C rationale:
Cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions involve T cells that directly attack cells or tissues. These reactions typically take 1-3 days to develop.
Examples of cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy), graft-versus-host disease, and some drug reactions.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, as well as the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
Choice D rationale:
IgE response hypersensitivity reactions are the most immediate type of allergic reaction.
They are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to mast cells and basophils.
When an allergen (like bee venom) cross-links IgE antibodies on mast cells, it triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
These mediators cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and mucus secretion, leading to the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, including rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are consistent with an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
PaCO2 55 mm Hg on a blood gas indicates ineffective treatment. Normal PaCO2 levels range from 35-45 mm Hg.
Elevated PaCO2 (hypercapnia) suggests that the lungs are not effectively removing carbon dioxide from the body. This can be due to various factors, including:
Incomplete resolution of pneumonia Airway obstruction
Impaired respiratory muscle function
Choice B rationale:
Rhonchi in the right lung indicates ineffective treatment.
Rhonchi are coarse, rattling sounds heard in the lungs during auscultation.
They are often associated with mucus accumulation in the airways, which can occur in pneumonia.
The presence of rhonchi suggests that inflammation and mucus production persist, despite antibiotic and respiratory therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Oxygen saturation greater than 94% indicates effective treatment. Normal oxygen saturation levels are typically 95% or higher.
A saturation of 94% or above suggests that the lungs are able to effectively oxygenate the blood. This is a positive sign that the pneumonia is responding to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Client ambulates without shortness of breath indicates effective treatment. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom of pneumonia.
It occurs when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.
The ability to ambulate without shortness of breath suggests that the pneumonia has improved and that the lungs are functioning more effectively.
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