A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours.
Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
White blood cell (WBC) Count.
Rheumatoid factor (RF).
Antinuclear antibody (ANA).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The ESR is a common blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. Inflammation can cause the cells to settle faster, and this test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments like aspirin.
Choice B rationale:
The WBC count is a measure of the body’s immune response and is not directly affected by aspirin.
Choice C rationale:
The RF is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not change with aspirin treatment.
Choice D rationale:
The ANA is a test used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, and it is not affected by aspirin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Airway obstruction is the immediate life-threatening risk due to swelling and blistering in the airway.
Choice B rationale:
Paralytic ileus is a potential complication, but it is not the immediate priority.
Choice C rationale:
Infection is a risk due to loss of skin integrity, but it is not the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale:
Fluid imbalance is a risk due to fluid loss from the burns, but airway management is the immediate priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cardiac enzymes do not identify the location of the MI, they are biomarkers that indicate heart muscle injury.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiac enzyme tests do not provide information about the heart’s structure or the mobility of the heart valves. That’s typically assessed using imaging studies like an echocardiogram.
Choice C rationale:
Cardiac enzymes do not assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion. They are specific to heart muscle damage.
Choice D rationale:
Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin and creatine kinase, rise when there is damage to the heart muscle, such as in an MI. Therefore, these tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues.
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