The nurse observes that a client is experiencing melena. Which serum laboratory test should the nurse monitor in response to this finding?

White blood cell count (WBC).

Glucose.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Hematocrit.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
White blood cell count (WBC) is inappropriate. White blood cell count is typically monitored to assess for signs of infection or inflammation. While it's important to monitor WBC count in certain situations, such as suspected infection, melena itself is not directly indicative of an increased risk of infection. Therefore, monitoring WBC count may not be the most immediate response to the finding of melena.
Choice B Reason:
Glucose is inappropriate. Glucose monitoring is essential for patients with diabetes or those at risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. However, melena is not directly related to glucose metabolism or regulation. Therefore, monitoring glucose levels would not be the most relevant response to the finding of melena.
Choice C Reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is inappropriate. Blood urea nitrogen is often monitored to assess kidney function and hydration status. While severe bleeding can potentially lead to hypovolemia and prerenal azotemia (elevated BUN due to decreased renal perfusion), monitoring BUN would not be the immediate response to the finding of melena. Instead, assessing for signs of hypovolemia and monitoring other markers of blood loss, such as hematocrit, would be more appropriate.
Choice D Reason:
Hematocrit is appropriate. Melena refers to the passage of black, tarry stools containing blood that has been digested. It indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, typically from the stomach or upper small intestine. Monitoring the hematocrit level is important because significant bleeding, as indicated by melena, can lead to a decrease in the hematocrit level due to the loss of red blood cells and plasma volume. Monitoring the hematocrit helps assess the severity of the bleeding and guides treatment decisions, such as the need for blood transfusions. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the hematocrit level in response to the finding of melena.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are incorrect. Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to increased or loud gurgling noises heard during auscultation of the abdomen, which may indicate increased intestinal motility or bowel obstruction. These sounds are typically high-pitched and occur in various abdominal quadrants, rather than specifically in the upper midline area.
Choice B Reason:
A minor variation is incorrect. A minor variation in abdominal sounds may occur and could be considered normal. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area is not typically categorized as a minor variation but rather as an abnormal finding that warrants further investigation.
Choice C Reason:
Normal borborygmic sounds is incorrect. Borborygmic refers to the normal rumbling or gurgling sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. While borborygmic sounds may be heard during abdominal auscultation, they are typically described as high-pitched and occur in various abdominal quadrants, not specifically in the upper midline area. Therefore, they are not likely to be the indication of the finding described in the scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Possible renal artery stenosis is correct. Renal artery stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of one or both renal arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. When auscultating the abdomen, a low-pitched blowing sound (bruit) heard over the upper midline area could indicate turbulence of blood flow in the renal arteries. This bruit is typically associated with renal artery stenosis and reflects the increased velocity of blood passing through a narrowed arterial lumen. Identifying a renal artery bruit during abdominal auscultation warrants further investigation, such as imaging studies or referral to a specialist for evaluation and management of renal artery stenosis.

A. Observe chest and upper neck for a rash. B. Perform a hearing test. C. Evaluate for a loss of peripheral vision. D. Assess deep tendon reflexes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Observing chest and upper neck for a rash is correct. This assessment is unrelated to tinnitus. Observing the chest and upper neck for a rash may be relevant in the context of other conditions, such as skin disorders or infectious diseases, but it does not provide information about the effects of tinnitus.
Choice B Reason:
Performing a hearing test is correct. Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can affect a person's hearing and overall quality of life. Therefore, the most appropriate assessment to evaluate the effects of tinnitus is to perform a hearing test. This test can assess the client's auditory function, including their ability to hear different frequencies and intensities of sound. By conducting a hearing test, the nurse can gather objective data on the client's hearing abilities and determine the extent to which tinnitus may be impacting their hearing sensitivity and perception.
Choice C Reason:
Evaluating for a loss of peripheral vision is incorrect. Loss of peripheral vision is not a typical effect of tinnitus. While tinnitus can affect auditory perception, it does not directly impact visual function, particularly peripheral vision. Therefore, evaluating for loss of peripheral vision is not relevant to assessing the effects of tinnitus.
Choice D Reason:
Assessing deep tendon reflexes is incorrect. Assessing deep tendon reflexes is unrelated to evaluating the effects of tinnitus. Deep tendon reflexes are assessed to evaluate the integrity of the neurological system and are typically tested in the context of assessing motor function and nerve responses. This assessment does not provide information about the auditory effects of tinnitus.

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The nurse observes that a client is experiencing melena. Which serum laboratory test should the nurse monitor in response to this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While auscultating a client's abdomen, the nurse hears a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area. Which is the likely indication of this finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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