The nurse reviews a client's laboratory results for a client admitted with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who has no visible hemorrhoids on inspection of the anal area. Which laboratory test indicates that the client's bleeding is not yet resolved?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit (Hct) [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Prothrombin time (PT) [11.0 to 12.5 seconds (85%-100%)] Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) [4% to 5.9%]

Hematocrit changes from 36% to 32%.

Hemoglobin A1C changes from 10% to 8%.

Prothrombin time (PT) changes from 12 seconds to 18 seconds.

Guaiac test changes from positive to negative.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   A decrease in hematocrit from 36% to 32% suggests ongoing blood loss and that the client’s GI bleeding has not yet resolved. Hematocrit is a key indicator of the client’s blood volume and oxygen- carrying capacity.
B.   Hemoglobin A1C reflects long-term blood sugar control, not current blood loss. A change in A1C is not indicative of GI bleeding resolution.
C.   An increase in prothrombin time (PT) from 12 to 18 seconds indicates clotting abnormalities, which may occur with liver dysfunction or anticoagulant therapy, but it doesn't directly relate to GI bleeding resolution.
D.   A positive to negative change in the guaiac test (fecal occult blood test) would indicate that the blood in the stool is no longer present, suggesting resolution of bleeding, which doesn’t match the question’s context.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. If the apical impulse is more vigorous than expected, it may indicate an abnormal finding, such as hyperdynamic circulation or heart failure. The nurse should not simply record this without further investigation.
B. It is important to investigate whether the client has a history of heart disease, as conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, or valvular heart disease could cause changes in the apical impulse. This provides context for understanding the findings.
C. Obtaining the client’s blood pressure is important in assessing cardiovascular health, but the most immediate response to a more vigorous apical impulse would be to explore the potential cause, including heart disease, rather than simply measuring blood pressure.
D. Comparing the apical pulse to the carotid pulse may help assess if the increased pulse force is generalized or localized, and whether it might be a sign of circulatory changes. This would help clarify whether the finding is normal or indicative of pathology.

A. Imbalanced nutrition, greater than body requirements. B. Deficient fluid volume. C. Excess fluid volume. D. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This is not applicable in this case. A BMI of 14 kg/m² indicates severe malnutrition, not excess nutrition. The client is at risk for nutritional deficiencies, not an excess of nutrition.
B. While fluid volume might be a concern in severely malnourished clients, the primary issue in this scenario is related to nutrition rather than fluid imbalance. A low BMI suggests insufficient caloric intake.
C. Excess fluid volume is not typically associated with a low BMI. In fact, clients with a BMI this low may show signs of dehydration or fluid loss due to inadequate nutritional intake.
D. This is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. A BMI of 14 kg/m² is indicative of severe malnutrition and the client is not meeting their nutritional needs, which could lead to further health complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During the precordium assessment, the nurse palpates the apical impulse of a client on the 5th intercostal space left mid-clavicular line. The pulse is more vigorous than expected. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

In assessing an adult client, the nurse calculates the body mass index (BMI) as 14 kg/m2. Which nursing problem should be included in this client's plan of care? Reference Range: Body mass index (BMI) [normal 18.0 to 24.9 kg/m2]

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which question by the nurse is likely to elicit the most information regarding a client's use of medications to treat a chronic cough?

While auscultating for bowel sounds in an adult client, the nurse notes a series of gurgles that last about 3 seconds and occur every 5 to 10 seconds in all quadrants. How should the nurse document this finding?

When assessing an older adult client, which finding is most indicative of dehydration?

When assessing heart sounds of a client with rheumatic valvular heart disease, where should the nurse place the stethoscope to auscultate the tricuspid valve?

The nurse begins a client's musculoskeletal assessment. While using the technique of inspection, the nurse assesses for which possible findings? Select all that apply.

The college health clinic nurse is preparing a seminar on testicular self-examination (TSE). Which instruction should be included in the content for this seminar?

When conducting a physical examination, the nurse is assessing a client's abdomen and identifies a centrally localized distention that is pulsating. This finding should direct the nurse to consider which pathology?

A client states, "I am legally blind." Which assessment technique should the nurse use to obtain subjective data to support the client's statement?