Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who the provider suspects might have pernicious anemia. The nurse should expect the provider to prescribe which of the following diagnostic tests?
- A. Schilling test
- B. Complete blood count (CBC)
- C. Vitamin B12 level
- D. Bone marrow biopsy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Schilling test. Pernicious anemia is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, often due to poor absorption. The Schilling test is specifically used to diagnose pernicious anemia by evaluating the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12. The test involves giving the patient a small amount of radioactive vitamin B12 to determine how well it is absorbed and utilized by the body. This test helps to differentiate pernicious anemia from other causes of B12 deficiency.
Choice B (Complete blood count) is a general test that may show abnormalities in red blood cells seen in anemia, but it does not specifically diagnose pernicious anemia. Choice C (Vitamin B12 level) alone may not differentiate between pernicious anemia and other causes of B12 deficiency. Choice D (Bone marrow biopsy) is not typically necessary for diagnosing pernicious anemia and is more invasive compared to the Schilling test.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
- A. Decreased potassium level
- B. Increased sodium level
- C. Increased calcium level
- D. Decreased magnesium level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased potassium level. Postoperative ileus can lead to gastrointestinal fluid losses, causing a decrease in potassium levels due to excessive drainage through the NG tube. Potassium is an important electrolyte for maintaining normal muscle function, including the heart. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Incorrect choices:
B: Increased sodium level - Unlikely in this scenario as excessive drainage would lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.
C: Increased calcium level - Unrelated to postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage.
D: Decreased magnesium level - Possible but not as critical as monitoring potassium levels in this situation.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. C-reactive protein
- B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). ESR is a common test used to monitor inflammation levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication, so monitoring ESR can help assess the effectiveness of the treatment. A decrease in ESR levels indicates a reduction in inflammation, suggesting that the aspirin is working. The other choices (A, C, D) are not specific to monitoring the effectiveness of aspirin in RA. C-reactive protein and white blood cell count are general markers of inflammation and infection, not specific to RA. Hematocrit measures red blood cell levels, which are not directly related to the effectiveness of aspirin in treating RA.
A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
- A. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Place the client on oxygen therapy
- D. Start an intravenous line
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries. This is the priority action because inhalation injuries can be life-threatening and must be assessed immediately in burn patients. Burns to the face and chest increase the risk of inhalation injuries due to the proximity to the airway. Administering pain medication, placing the client on oxygen therapy, and starting an IV line are important interventions but inspecting the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries takes precedence in this situation to ensure the client's airway is not compromised.
A nurse is assessing a client before a packed RBC transfusion. What data is most important to obtain?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Temperature
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temperature. Before a packed RBC transfusion, it is crucial to assess the client's temperature as hyperthermia can indicate a possible transfusion reaction. Monitoring temperature helps in early detection and intervention. Blood pressure (A) is important but not the most crucial in this context. Respiratory rate (C) and oxygen saturation (D) are relevant but may not indicate an immediate issue with the transfusion. Other choices are not provided.
A nurse is admitting a client who has a serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL and initiates cardiac monitoring. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect during the initial assessment?
- A. Lethargy
- B. Hypertension
- C. Muscle spasms
- D. Severe agitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lethargy. A serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL indicates hypercalcemia. In hypercalcemia, calcium affects the central nervous system, leading to lethargy, weakness, and confusion. Lethargy is a common early symptom of hypercalcemia. Hypertension is not typically associated with hypercalcemia. Muscle spasms are more common in hypocalcemia. Severe agitation is not a typical manifestation of hypercalcemia.