The nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which laboratory test would best help the nurse to monitor the condition of this patient?
White blood cell (WBC) count, arterial blood gases (ABGs)
Complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis
Electrolytes, serum creatinine
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT), serum potassium
The Correct Answer is A
A. White blood cell (WBC) count, arterial blood gases (ABGs): WBC count helps assess the presence and severity of infection, while ABGs evaluate the patient’s oxygenation and gas exchange critical factors in pneumonia. These tests directly reflect respiratory function and the inflammatory response.
B. Complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis: While a CBC includes the WBC count, the rest of the values are not directly helpful in tracking pneumonia progression. A urinalysis assesses kidney and urinary tract health, not respiratory infection, so it is not essential.
C. Electrolytes, serum creatinine: These tests provide information on renal function and electrolyte balance, which may be relevant in complex cases but are not specific indicators of pneumonia status or treatment response.
D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT), serum potassium: PTT evaluates clotting, and serum potassium assesses electrolyte balance. Neither test provides useful information about the progression or resolution of pneumonia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2450"]
Explanation
Calculation:
- Jevity at 50 mL/hr from 2000 to 0600 (10 hours):
50 mL/hr × 10 hr = 500 mL
- Free water flush at 0615:
= 50 mL
- Red blood cells (2 units of 250 mL) from 2100–0215:
250 mL × 2 = 500 mL
- IV saline flushes:
0115: 20 mL
0400: 10 mL
Total = 30 mL
- Zosyn IV at 0300:
= 50 mL
- Continuous fluids:
Heparin: 10 mL/hr × 12 hr = 120 mL
Normal Saline: 100 mL/hr × 12 hr = 1,200 mL
Total = 1,320 mL
Total Intake Calculation:
- Jevity: 500 mL
- Water flush: 50 mL
- RBCs: 500 mL
- Saline flushes: 30 mL
- Zosyn: 50 mL
- Continuous fluids: 1,320 mL
Total intake = 500 + 50 + 500 + 30 + 50 + 1,320 = 2,450 mL
Final Answer: 2,450 mL intake from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Antihistamine:Antihistamines are the first-line treatment for allergic reactions such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing caused by allergens like grass pollen. They block histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic symptoms, providing effective relief in seasonal allergies.
B. Antitussive:Antitussives suppress coughing and are used for dry, nonproductive coughs. They do not address the underlying allergic reaction or associated symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes, making them inappropriate for this case.
C. Decongestant:Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. While they may help with stuffiness, they do not treat the histamine-mediated symptoms such as watery eyes or sneezing effectively.
D. Expectorant:Expectorants thin mucus to help with productive coughs. They are not helpful in treating allergic reactions and will not relieve the patient's symptoms caused by grass allergy exposure.
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