A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who has sickle cell anemia.
Which of the following immunizations should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A rationale:

The statement in question does identify the variables being investigated. It mentions that the study aims to evaluate whether short-term, cultural immersion, clinical experiences could affect change in cultural sensitivity and cultural self-efficacy. Both cultural sensitivity and cultural self-efficacy are the variables of interest in this research.

Choice B rationale:

While the statement does mention the independent variable (short-term, cultural immersion, clinical experiences), it also includes the dependent variables (cultural sensitivity and cultural self-efficacy) So, the independent variable is indeed identified in the statement.

Choice C rationale:

The missing characteristic in the research statement is the population being studied. It does not specify who the participants or subjects of the study are. The population being studied is a crucial element in a research statement because it helps define the scope and applicability of the research findings.

Choice D rationale:

The statement does imply the possibility of empirical testing by stating that "a study was conducted," indicating that there was likely data collection and analysis involved. Therefore, the possibility of empirical testing is not missing from the statement.

Choice A rationale:

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is used to monitor conditions like bleeding disorders or the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. PTT is not specific to rheumatic fever and does not contribute to confirming this diagnosis.

Choice B rationale:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea. It is a marker of kidney function and hydration status. BUN levels are not directly related to rheumatic fever and do not play a role in confirming this diagnosis.

Choice C rationale:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated ESR levels indicate the presence of inflammation but do not confirm a specific diagnosis. In the context of suspected rheumatic fever, elevated ESR levels, along with other clinical findings, can support the diagnosis.

Choice D rationale:

Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer measures the level of antibodies against streptolysin O, a toxin produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Elevated ASO titers indicate a recent streptococcal infection, which is a common trigger for rheumatic fever. Positive ASO titers, along with clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings, contribute to confirming the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.

Choice E rationale:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is another marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation but do not confirm a specific diagnosis. In the context of suspected rheumatic fever, elevated CRP levels, along with other clinical and laboratory findings, can support the diagnosis by indicating the presence of inflammation.