The nurse is concerned about a client's ability to withstand exposure to pathogens. What blood component should the nurse monitor?
White blood cells
Platelets
Red blood cells
Hematocrit
The Correct Answer is A
A. White blood cells (WBCs): The nurse should monitor the client's white blood cell count to assess their ability to withstand exposure to pathogens. WBCs are integral to the body's immune response, as they play a crucial role in defending against infections. An elevated or decreased WBC count can indicate an underlying infection or immune dysfunction, helping the nurse identify potential risks to the client's health. Regular monitoring of WBC levels allows for timely intervention and assessment of the client's immune status.
B. Platelets: Platelets are primarily responsible for blood clotting and are not directly involved in the body's immune response to pathogens. While they are important for hemostasis and preventing excessive bleeding, monitoring platelet count is not directly indicative of a client's ability to withstand exposure to pathogens.
C. Red blood cells: Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body and are not directly involved in the immune response to pathogens. Monitoring red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels is important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and detecting conditions such as anemia, but it does not provide specific information about the client's ability to combat infections.
D. Hematocrit: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is used to assess blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. While changes in hematocrit levels may indirectly indicate certain health conditions, such as dehydration or polycythemia, it does not directly reflect the client's immune status or ability to withstand exposure to pathogens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Isotonic fluid helps the client feel less thirsty when they are NPO: While isotonic fluids can help maintain hydration status, they do not directly address the sensation of thirst. Isotonic fluids replace extracellular fluid volume and help maintain electrolyte balance but do not affect the sensation of thirst.
B. This type of IV hydration replaces blood volume without affecting intracellular fluid: This is the correct property of isotonic fluid replacement. Isotonic IV fluids have a similar osmolarity to extracellular fluid and thus replace fluid volume without significantly impacting the distribution of water between intra- and extracellular compartments. They are effective for expanding intravascular volume without causing a significant shift of water into or out of cells.
C. Isotonic IV hydration can cause cells to burst if given too rapidly: Isotonic IV fluids have the same osmotic pressure as blood plasma and therefore do not cause cells to burst when administered at appropriate rates. It is hypertonic solutions that can cause cells to shrink or swell due to osmotic imbalances.
D. This type of IV fluid must be given in an intensive care setting with frequent monitoring of the client's vital signs: While isotonic fluids are commonly used in various clinical settings, including intensive care, they do not inherently require administration in an intensive care setting with frequent monitoring of vital signs. Isotonic fluids are often administered in routine medical-surgical settings for various fluid balance problems.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A document that the client signs indicating they wish to be an organ donor: This describes an organ donor card or organ donation consent form, not a living will. An organ donor card is a document indicating the individual's wish to donate organs after death to benefit others in need of organ transplants.
B. A medical order that outlines the client's wishes if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs: This describes a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, which is a medical order indicating that the individual does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It is specific to resuscitation preferences and is different from a living will.
C. A witnessed legal document that describes the client's wishes regarding medical care if unable to speak: This is the correct description of a living will. A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It typically addresses preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other medical interventions.
D. A legal document that lists who gets the client's property & belongings before if they cannot communicate: This describes a last will and testament, which is a legal document that outlines how a person's property and assets should be distributed after their death. It does not address medical care preferences or interventions during the person's lifetime.
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