A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Complete blood count

Platelet count

Serum electrolytes

Liver enzymes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is the most relevant laboratory value to review for a client with iron deficiency anemia who reports increased fatigue. The CBC will provide important information about the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, which are directly affected by iron deficiency. Monitoring these values will help determine if the client’s anemia is worsening or if the iron supplements are not effectively improving the blood count.

Choice B reason: The platelet count is part of a CBC but is not directly related to the symptoms of fatigue in iron deficiency anemia. While platelet levels are important for assessing clotting function, they do not provide the necessary information about red blood cell levels or hemoglobin concentration that are central to diagnosing and managing anemia.

Choice C reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall health and hydration status, but they are not specifically related to the client’s anemia or the symptom of fatigue. Electrolyte imbalances typically do not cause fatigue related to anemia, so this is not the primary laboratory value to review in this context.

Choice D reason: Liver enzymes are important for assessing liver function and potential liver damage, but they are not directly related to iron deficiency anemia or the symptom of fatigue. While it is important to monitor liver health, especially if the client is on medications that affect the liver, the complete blood count is more relevant to the symptoms described.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial for a client who has suffered an electrical injury. Electrical injuries can cause arrhythmias and other cardiac complications, which may not be immediately apparent. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of any cardiac abnormalities, which is vital for the patient's safety and recovery.

Choice B reason: Evaluating the level of consciousness is important for any patient, especially those with significant injuries, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario. While neurological assessments are part of comprehensive care, the immediate risk posed by cardiac complications from the electrical injury takes precedence.

Choice C reason: Performing passive range of motion exercises is beneficial for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in immobile patients. However, it is not the most urgent intervention in the context of an electrical injury, where cardiac monitoring is paramount.

Choice D reason: Assessing lung sounds every 4 hours is a valuable part of monitoring for respiratory complications, particularly in burn patients. However, the immediate cardiac risks associated with electrical injuries necessitate continuous cardiac monitoring as the priority intervention.

A. Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities B. Reports of chest pain and shortness of breath C. Pain and a burning sensation upon urination and hematuria D. Profuse diaphoresis and severe, pounding headache

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities are typically signs of neurogenic shock, which occurs immediately after a spinal cord injury. However, autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by severe hypertension, not hypotension. The symptoms in this scenario do not fit the presentation of autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice B reason: Reports of chest pain and shortness of breath are not the primary symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. While autonomic dysreflexia can cause a variety of symptoms due to uncontrolled sympathetic nervous system activity, the hallmark symptoms are severe hypertension and headache, along with other specific signs like diaphoresis.

Choice C reason: Pain and a burning sensation upon urination and hematuria indicate a urinary tract infection or another urological issue, not autonomic dysreflexia. While a full bladder is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, the symptoms described in this choice do not accurately reflect the condition.

Choice D reason: Profuse diaphoresis and a severe, pounding headache are classic symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition results from an overactive autonomic nervous system response to stimuli below the level of the injury, such as a full bladder. The resulting vasoconstriction leads to severe hypertension and symptoms like headache and sweating above the level of injury.

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A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who suffered an electrical injury with the entrance site on the left hand and the exit site on the left foot is admitted to the burn unit. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?