A patient has developed left heart failure (LHF). Which laboratory test, when elevated, confirms a heart failure diagnosis?
Troponin
Calcium level
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Troponin is a biomarker used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack), not heart failure.
B. Calcium levels are important for overall metabolic function but are not specific for heart failure.
C. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in heart failure, specifically in left heart failure, and helps confirm the diagnosis. BNP is a hormone released by the ventricles in response to increased pressure and volume.
D. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation but does not specifically confirm a heart failure diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Aortic atherosclerosis and mitral insufficiency could lead to some symptoms of congestion but would not fully explain jugular venous distension and liver congestion.
B. Aortic valve stenosis and left heart failure primarily affect left-sided heart function, which typically does not present with jugular venous distension or peripheral edema.
C. Bronchogenic cancer and diaphoresis do not explain the cardiovascular symptoms present in this case.
D. Pulmonic valve stenosis can lead to right heart failure, causing systemic venous congestion, which results in JVD, liver congestion, ascites, and ankle edema, thus accounting for all aspects of the patient's presentation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A specific gravity of 1.000 indicates very dilute urine, not concentrated. This would not be typical of dehydration, where urine would be concentrated with a high specific gravity.
B. Acute kidney injury (AKI) typically results in more concentrated urine due to retained waste products; therefore, specific gravity would likely be higher, not at the minimum level of 1.000.
C. A specific gravity of 1.000 indicates the kidney’s inability to concentrate urine, often seen in renal impairment where kidney function is compromised, leading to very dilute urine.
D. Specific gravity is unrelated to testicular cancer or an undescended testis, as it measures kidney concentration ability rather than reproductive health.
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