A healthy 70-year-old patient has low hemoglobin levels and no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.
The nurse recognizes which item is an effect of aging that could be the reason for the low hemoglobin level?
Low level of hepcidin.
Increase in iron-binding capacity.
Decrease in intestinal absorption of iron.
Decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A low level of hepcidin would not cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting the absorption of iron from the intestines and promoting its storage in cells.
Choice B rationale:
An increase in iron-binding capacity typically occurs in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body tries to increase its capacity to transport iron. This would not cause a low hemoglobin level in an otherwise healthy individual.
Choice C rationale:
Aging often leads to a decrease in the efficiency of nutrient absorption, including iron. This decrease in intestinal absorption of iron can result in low hemoglobin levels in elderly individuals. It's a common cause of anemia in the elderly population.
Choice D rationale:
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. A decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys would lead to anemia, but it is not a typical effect of aging and is usually associated with kidney disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stable angina typically occurs with activity and is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. Therefore, this statement is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic stable angina usually lasts for a short duration, usually around 5 minutes, and is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. Prolonged pain lasting 10-15 minutes or more could indicate an unstable angina or myocardial infarction. This choice is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice C rationale:
Pain due to chronic stable angina subsides when the precipitating factor, such as physical exertion, is resolved or with medication like nitroglycerin. Therefore, this statement is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic stable angina follows a predictable pattern, occurring intermittently over a period of time, and is usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. This option correctly describes the characteristic pattern of chronic stable angina.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's pH is low (7.32), and the bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high PaCO2 levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.32) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
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