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.
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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is characterized by a chaotic, rapid, and irregular electrical activity on the ECG, with no identifiable QRS complexes, P waves, or T waves. The heart quivers ineffectively, leading to no blood flow or cardiac output, which results in rapid loss of consciousness and is life-threatening.
Immediate defibrillation is required to restore a normal rhythm. A high-energy shock is delivered to the heart to reset the electrical activity, potentially allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and resume normal function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Giving away valued possessions - This is a classic sign of suicidal ideation, as individuals may feel they no longer need their belongings or want to say goodbye to loved ones in a symbolic way.
B. Engaging in high-risk behaviors - While high-risk behaviors can be a sign of depression, they are not necessarily indicative of suicidal thoughts.
C. Talkative, with pressured speech - This could be indicative of a manic episode or high anxiety, but it is not a common sign of suicidal behavior.
D. Guilt, decreased self-esteem - Although guilt and low self-esteem are symptoms of depression, they do not directly indicate suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
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