A client seen in the clinic with shortness of breath and fatigue is being evaluated for a possible diagnosis of heart failure. Which laboratory result will be the most useful for diagnosing heart failure?
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Troponin I
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Platelet levels
The Correct Answer is A
A. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP levels are elevated in heart failure due to increased pressure and stretch in the heart's chambers. It is a key marker used to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.
B. Troponin I: This marker is used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack) rather than heart failure. Elevated troponin levels indicate damage to the heart muscle.
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): BUN levels can be elevated in heart failure due to decreased renal perfusion, but it is not as specific for diagnosing heart failure as BNP.
D. Platelet levels: Platelet levels are not directly related to the diagnosis of heart failure. They are more relevant for assessing clotting disorders and other conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol: In cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome, the tumor produces ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Therefore, both ACTH and cortisol levels are elevated.
B. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol: This scenario is less likely as elevated ACTH typically results in increased cortisol production, not decreased.
C. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol: This is characteristic of primary adrenal insufficiency, not ectopic ACTH syndrome, where ACTH levels are usually high.
D. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol: This pattern is inconsistent with Cushing syndrome, especially due to ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors, which typically result in elevated ACTH and cortisol.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Radioactive iodine uptake test: This test is used to assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism. It is not used to diagnose Cushing syndrome.
B. 24-hour cortisol urine study: This test measures cortisol levels in the urine over a 24-hour period and is commonly used to diagnose Cushing syndrome by evaluating elevated cortisol production.
C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test: This test evaluates adrenal function and is typically used to assess adrenal insufficiency rather than Cushing syndrome.
D. Edrophonium (Tensilon) test: This test is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, not Cushing syndrome. It evaluates the effect of the medication on muscle strength.
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