The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute heart failure on the telemetry unit. Which laboratory result does the nurse know is most indicative of this diagnosis?
Hemoglobin 10.1 g/di (normal Female: 11.7-15.5 g/dL: Male: 14-17.3 g/dL
Brain natriuretic peptide 410 pg/mL (normal less than 100 pg/mL.)
Sodium 132 mEq/L (normal 135 - 145 mEq/L)
Fibrinogen level 201 mg/dL (normal 200-400 mg/dL)
The Correct Answer is B
A. A low hemoglobin level indicates anemia, not heart failure. While anemia can exacerbate heart failure, it is not the primary indicator.
B. BNP is a biomarker that is elevated in response to heart failure. A level above 100 pg/mL is suggestive of heart failure, and 410 pg/mL indicates significant heart stress and likely acute heart failure.
C. A low sodium level (hyponatremia) can occur in heart failure, but it is not specific enough to confirm the diagnosis. BNP is a more direct indicator of heart failure.
D. This is a normal fibrinogen level and does not indicate heart failure. Fibrinogen is more associated with clotting disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Weigh daily on the same scale at the same time of day - Daily weight measurement is critical for clients with heart failure to monitor for fluid retention, which can indicate worsening heart failure.
B. Restrict foods that are high in potassium - This is not recommended unless the client is on certain medications (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics) that cause high potassium levels. Generally, potassium- rich foods are beneficial for heart health.
C. Engage in aerobic activity for one hour each day - Although exercise is important, the intensity and duration should be individualized, and clients with heart failure may need to start with lower-intensity activity.
D. Monitor sugar intake - While important for diabetes management, monitoring sugar intake is not a primary focus for clients with heart failure unless they also have diabetes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A value of 119 seconds would indicate a therapeutic or even elevated level of heparin, as it is much higher than the normal aPTT range.
B. A value of 98 seconds is still above the normal aPTT range, suggesting that the heparin level is therapeutic, or even too high, but not sub-therapeutic.
C. This is just slightly above the normal range and might be considered a therapeutic range for someone
on heparin, but it’s not sub-therapeutic.
D. This aPTT value is above the normal range but likely not high enough to indicate therapeutic heparin levels, which should typically be between 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal aPTT. A sub-therapeutic level could be indicated with a lower value.
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