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%]

Guaiac test changes from positive to negative.

Hematocrit changes from 36% to 32%.

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

Hemoglobin A1C changes from 10% to 8%.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Guaiac test changes from positive to negative: The guaiac test detects occult blood in stool. A negative result after being positive suggests that the bleeding has stopped, but it does not directly reflect the resolution of bleeding as hematocrit and hemoglobin levels would. While useful for identifying ongoing bleeding, it is not the most reliable indicator of blood volume loss over time.

B. Hematocrit changes from 36% to 32%: A decrease in hematocrit, from 36% to 32%, indicates a loss of red blood cells and suggests that the client’s GI bleeding has not yet resolved. The hematocrit is a direct reflection of blood volume and RBC concentration, so a decline would point to continued blood loss, especially in the setting of GI bleeding.

C. Prothrombin time (PT) changes from 12 seconds to 18 seconds: An increased PT suggests a clotting issue, possibly related to liver dysfunction or anticoagulant therapy. However, PT changes are not a direct indicator of blood loss resolution in the setting of GI bleeding. While it may indicate an issue with coagulation, it is not the best indicator of ongoing blood loss.

D. Hemoglobin A1C changes from 10% to 8%: Hemoglobin A1C is a test for long-term blood glucose control and is unrelated to acute bleeding events. A change in A1C levels would indicate changes in glucose control, not blood loss or resolution of bleeding, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Periumbilical pain localizing to right lower quadrant: This is a classic sign of appendicitis. The pain typically begins near the umbilicus and later migrates to the right lower quadrant (McBurney's point) as the inflammation progresses and irritates the parietal peritoneum. This localized pain pattern is a strong clinical indicator of appendicitis.

B. Anorexia progressing to nausea, vomiting, and fever: While these are common associated symptoms of appendicitis, they are nonspecific and can be seen in many gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroenteritis. Alone, they are not as definitive as localized right lower quadrant pain in confirming the diagnosis.

C. Diffuse abdominal pain with elevated neutrophil count: Diffuse abdominal pain suggests a more widespread issue, not the localized inflammation typically seen in early appendicitis. An elevated neutrophil count can suggest infection or inflammation but does not pinpoint appendicitis specifically without more localized symptoms.

D. Sudden onset of severe anxiety, fear, and concern: These symptoms may suggest a psychiatric or stress-related condition, or even a cardiac event in some cases, but they are not characteristic of appendicitis and do not support the suspicion of appendicitis.

A. "It doesn't take much activity before I'm out of breath." B. "I sleep on three pillows at night." C. "I cough a lot at night and it keeps me up half the night." D. "I have multiple attacks of wheezing almost daily."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "It doesn't take much activity before I'm out of breath.": This statement describes exertional dyspnea, which is shortness of breath with physical activity. It is often seen in heart or lung conditions but does not point to orthopnea, which occurs when lying flat.

B. "I sleep on three pillows at night.": Using multiple pillows to sleep is a compensatory behavior for orthopnea. Orthopnea is defined as difficulty breathing while lying flat, often related to heart failure and pulmonary congestion, and is relieved by elevating the head.

C. "I cough a lot at night and it keeps me up half the night.": Nocturnal coughing may indicate asthma, GERD, or postnasal drip. While it disrupts sleep, it does not clearly signify orthopnea, which is specifically related to positional shortness of breath.

D. "I have multiple attacks of wheezing almost daily.": Frequent wheezing attacks are more consistent with conditions like asthma or COPD. This symptom does not suggest orthopnea, which involves positional breathing difficulty, not episodic wheezing.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assesses a young adult female who was brought to the emergency department (ED) by her boyfriend because she has not been feeling well all day and he believes she is getting worse. Which finding supports the nurse's suspicion that the client is experiencing appendicitis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which subjective assessment data supports the nurse's conclusion that a client is experiencing orthopnea?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who has a history of kidney stones and returns to the clinic with flank pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse completes inspection of the abdomen on an adult client. Which finding is considered normal for this client?

An older adult client is being evaluated for admission to an assisted living facility. During the health assessment, the nurse implements which technique to determine the client's ability to reside in this environment?

An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm(s) to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HF? Select all that apply.

The nurse detects a possible extra heart sound while assessing an adult client. To verify this finding, which action should the nurse take?

While taking a history on an older adult male client, his wife reports that he is having increasing periods of short-term memory loss and he occasionally gets confused. How should the nurse proceed with an assessment of the client's sensory system?

The nurse notes an enlarged, visible lymph node on the client's neck. Which action should the nurse take next?