The nurse is monitoring the results of laboratory tests for a client suspected of having heart failure.
Which of the following tests would provide key diagnostic information for the nurse?
Serum electrolytes.
Complete blood count.
Blood urea nitrogen.
Brain natriuretic peptide.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Serum electrolyte analysis provides insights into fluid and electrolyte balance but does not specifically diagnose heart failure. Electrolyte changes may occur secondary to heart failure but are not definitive markers for the condition.
Choice B rationale
Complete blood count evaluates for anemia or infection, which may contribute to symptomatology but is not diagnostic for heart failure. Heart failure diagnosis focuses on cardiac-specific markers rather than hematologic parameters.
Choice C rationale
Blood urea nitrogen assesses renal function and reflects perfusion status but lacks specificity for heart failure. Although renal dysfunction may occur in advanced heart failure, BNP measurement is more definitive for cardiac assessment.
Choice D rationale
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a key diagnostic marker for heart failure. Elevated BNP levels occur due to ventricular stretch and strain associated with fluid overload, a hallmark of heart failure. Normal BNP levels are typically <100 pg/mL, with elevated levels strongly suggesting cardiac dysfunction. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hesitancy in starting urination occurs due to obstruction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate. It reflects the mechanical impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on urinary flow and is a classic symptom of this condition.
Choice B rationale
Dribbling with urination indicates incomplete bladder emptying due to urethral compression by the enlarged prostate. It is a characteristic symptom of BPH and can lead to complications like urinary retention.
Choice C rationale
Nocturia, or frequent urination at night, is caused by incomplete bladder emptying and increased nighttime urine production. It is a common symptom of BPH that significantly affects quality of life.
Choice D rationale
A decreased urine stream results from partial urethral obstruction by the enlarged prostate, limiting the flow of urine. This symptom is a hallmark of BPH and reflects progressive narrowing of the urinary tract.
Choice E rationale
Urinary frequency is due to incomplete bladder emptying and irritative symptoms associated with BPH. Frequent voiding is common and often prompts medical evaluation for prostate enlargement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Right and left-sided diastolic failure refers to impairment in ventricular relaxation in both sides of the heart. This prevents proper ventricular filling, leading to decreased cardiac output and congestion in pulmonary and systemic circuits. However, the condition described involves only the right heart, making this option incorrect scientifically.
Choice B rationale
Right-sided systolic and diastolic failure involves impaired right ventricular contraction (systolic) and relaxation (diastolic). Since the scenario specifically focuses on diastolic dysfunction alone due to ventricular thickening, systolic dysfunction is not implicated. Thus, this choice does not align with the clinical presentation given.
Choice C rationale
Right-sided diastolic failure is characterized by thickened ventricular walls (often due to hypertrophy or restrictive cardiomyopathy) that impair ventricular relaxation. This reduces ventricular filling, leading to systemic venous congestion. The described pathology fits this condition, making it the accurate answer according to the description of right-sided heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Right-sided systolic failure occurs when the heart cannot effectively pump blood out of the right ventricle due to weakened contraction. Since the described issue involves diastolic dysfunction from thickened myocardial walls, systolic dysfunction is not a feature here, rendering this option scientifically incorrect. .
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