The nurse is caring for a client who was diagnosed with "gouty arthritis." Which laboratory test is most important to perform to confirm this diagnosis?
arterial blood gases
uric acid levels
culture and sensitivity
potassium levels
The Correct Answer is B
A. Arterial blood gases are used to assess oxygenation and acid-base balance and are not specific to diagnosing gouty arthritis.
B. Gouty arthritis is characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the deposition of urate crystals in the joints.
C. Culture and sensitivity tests are used to identify infectious organisms and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics, not for diagnosing gouty arthritis.
D. Potassium levels are not specific to diagnosing gouty arthritis and are typically measured as part of routine laboratory tests to assess electrolyte balance.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Contact transmission involves direct or indirect contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
B. Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, making it a vectorborne disease.
C. Vehicle transmission involves non-living carriers, such as food, water, or inanimate objects, transmitting the infectious agent.
D. Droplet transmission involves respiratory droplets expelled by an infected individual during coughing, sneezing, or talking. Lyme disease is not transmitted through respiratory secretions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is often elevated in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
B. CA 125 is a tumor marker used primarily for detecting ovarian cancer and is not specific to rheumatoid arthritis.
C. While increased white blood cell count (WBC) may occur in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, it is not specific to the disease.
D. In rheumatoid arthritis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is typically elevated rather than decreased.
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