A client presents to the clinic with fatigue, poor appetite, general malaise, and vague joint pain that improves mid-morning. The client has been taking over-the-counter ibuprofen for several months. The healthcare provider makes an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Which laboratory test(s) should the nurse report to the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.
Sedimentation rate
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
D-Dimer
C-reactive protein
White blood cell count
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason: The sedimentation rate (ESR) is a common test used to detect inflammation associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. An elevated ESR indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
Choice B reason: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and are useful in confirming the diagnosis. The presence of these antibodies can help distinguish RA from other inflammatory conditions.
Choice C reason: D-Dimer is primarily used to rule out thrombotic conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is not specifically related to the diagnosis or management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice D reason: C-reactive protein (CRP) is another marker of inflammation that is often elevated in rheumatoid arthritis. It provides information about the level of inflammation and can be used to monitor disease activity and response to treatment.
Choice E reason: While a white blood cell count can provide general information about infection or inflammation, it is not specific to rheumatoid arthritis and is not as useful as the other tests mentioned for diagnosing or managing RA.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reporting the client's jaw pain to the healthcare provider is essential because jaw pain can be a symptom of osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but serious side effect of bisphosphonate therapy.
Choice B reason: Advising the client to gargle with warm salt water may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of potential osteonecrosis.
Choice C reason: Determining how the client is administering the medication is important for proper use but does not address the immediate concern of jaw pain.
Choice D reason: Confirming that this is a common symptom of osteoporosis is incorrect. Jaw pain is not a common symptom of osteoporosis and requires further evaluation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Severe motor dysfunction does influence the extent of successful habilitation, but it does not fully answer the mother’s concern regarding the progression of CP. The focus should be on reassuring the mother about the non-progressive nature of CP.
Choice B reason: The development of the brain lesion is already established in CP and does not continue to develop; thus, it does not determine the child's future outcome. The brain lesion's presence from birth does not change over time.
Choice C reason: Brain damage associated with CP is non-progressive, meaning it does not worsen over time. However, the symptoms and functional impairments can vary and fluctuate, which might make it seem as though the condition is changing.
Choice D reason: While it’s true that CP is one of the most common permanent physical disabilities in children, it doesn’t provide specific information about the progression of the disease. The mother needs to understand that the brain damage itself is not progressive.
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