A 55-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis is being evaluated for disease progression. Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of increased disease activity?
Presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
Elevated rheumatoid factor (RF) levels
Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
The Correct Answer is D
A. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are specific for rheumatoid arthritis but are not necessarily linked to disease activity.
B. Elevated rheumatoid factor (RF) levels are common in rheumatoid arthritis but not always indicative of disease activity.
C. A decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is typically a sign of less inflammation, not more.
D. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a direct marker of inflammation and are often correlated with increased disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically seen with diarrhea but are not a sign of hypokalemia.
B. Cerebral edema can occur with severe electrolyte imbalances, but it is not specifically related to hypokalemia caused by diarrhea.
C. Hypertension is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia; rather, hypokalemia often leads to low blood pressure.
D. Muscle weakness is a classic sign of hypokalemia because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and low levels can impair contraction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A complete blood count (CBC) can be helpful in identifying anemia or infection but does not confirm Helicobacter pylori infection.
B. Serum amylase test helps in diagnosing pancreatitis, not gastritis. It is not appropriate for confirming
H. pylori infection.
C. A fecal occult blood test detects hidden blood in the stool, which may be present in conditions like
gastric ulcers, but it doesn’t specifically diagnose H. pylori infection.
D. The urea breath test is a non-invasive and highly effective diagnostic tool for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection. It helps identify the presence of the bacteria by detecting the breakdown of urea in the stomach, which is metabolized by H. pylori.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.