The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue.
Which of the client’s serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?
Total protein.
Hemoglobin.
Glucose.
Sodium.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Total protein is a measure of the overall protein content in the blood. It includes albumin and globulin.
While it can be helpful in assessing nutritional status and liver function, it is not directly relevant to the client's current symptoms of pallor and fatigue.
Decreased total protein can indicate malnutrition or liver disease, but these conditions would not typically cause the specific symptoms of pallor and fatigue.
Therefore, total protein is not the most important laboratory value to review in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Paleness (pallor) is a common sign of anemia, which is a condition characterized by a low hemoglobin level. Fatigue is also a common symptom of anemia, as the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen.
Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to anemia. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to review the client's hemoglobin level to assess for potential anemia.
Choice C rationale:
Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy.
Abnormal glucose levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue. However, glucose levels would not typically cause pallor.
Additionally, there is no indication in the question stem that the client has any risk factors for diabetes or other disorders that affect glucose metabolism.
Therefore, glucose is not the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
Abnormal sodium levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue and weakness. However, sodium levels would not typically cause pallor.
Additionally, there is no indication in the question stem that the client has any risk factors for electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, sodium is not the most likely cause of the client's symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Carbon dioxide is primarily eliminated through the lungs, not the kidneys. While the kidneys do play a role in acid-base balance, their primary mechanism for regulating pH is through the excretion or retention of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), not carbon dioxide itself.
The kidneys' ability to compensate for respiratory acidosis is limited. In cases of severe respiratory acidosis, the kidneys may not be able to adequately compensate, leading to a further decrease in blood pH.
Choice B rationale:
Hyperventilation would actually decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not increase them. Hyperventilation is a state of rapid, deep breathing that leads to increased exhalation of carbon dioxide. This can result in respiratory alkalosis, which is the opposite of respiratory acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) can stimulate respiration, but this would not directly cause respiratory acidosis. In fact, hypoxia can sometimes lead to respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.
Respiratory acidosis is primarily caused by impaired carbon dioxide elimination, not decreased oxygen levels.
Choice C rationale:
High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia) are the hallmark feature of respiratory acidosis. This can occur due to a variety of factors that impair ventilation, such as:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Asthma
Pneumonia Sleep apnea
Neuromuscular disorders that affect breathing Drug overdose (e.g., opioids)
The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood leads to a decrease in blood pH, which can have a range of negative effects on the body's organ systems.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Radiation exposure to the eye is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, it is not a contraindication for ophthalmic ketorolac. In fact, ketorolac may be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with radiation exposure to the eye.
Ophthalmic ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation and pain.
Radiation exposure can damage the cells of the eye, leading to inflammation and pain. Ketorolac can help to reduce these symptoms.
However, it is important to note that ketorolac does not address the underlying cause of radiation exposure, and further treatment may be necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. It is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as getting poked in the eye, rubbing the eye too hard, or wearing contact lenses for too long.
Ophthalmic ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with corneal abrasions because it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
This is because ketorolac inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the healing process. Prostaglandins also play a role in fighting infection.
Therefore, using ketorolac in a patient with a corneal abrasion could potentially lead to a more serious infection.
Choice C rationale:
Chemical burn to the eye is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat chemical burns to the eye.
This is because ketorolac is not effective in reducing inflammation caused by chemical burns. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.
Choice D rationale:
Foreign body in the eye is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of objects, such as dust, sand, or metal shavings. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat foreign bodies in the eye.
This is because ketorolac will not help to remove the foreign body from the eye. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.
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