Which finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient with a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL? Select all that apply.
One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Palpitations.
Conjunctival pallor.
Sternal tenderness.
Heart rate of 104 beats/min.
Correct Answer : B,D
Choice A rationale:
Palpitations are not directly related to a low hemoglobin level. They can occur due to various cardiac conditions but are not specific to anemia.
Choice B rationale:
Conjunctival pallor is a common physical finding in patients with low hemoglobin levels (anemia) Anemia leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, causing paleness in mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva.
Choice C rationale:
Sternal tenderness is not a typical finding associated with low hemoglobin levels. It is more often associated with conditions affecting the sternum or adjacent structures, such as infections or inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
A heart rate of 104 beats/min can be a compensatory response to anemia. When the body senses reduced oxygen levels due to anemia, the heart rate may increase to pump more blood and oxygen to vital organs, attempting to compensate for the low hemoglobin levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A low level of hepcidin would not cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting the absorption of iron from the intestines and promoting its storage in cells.
Choice B rationale:
An increase in iron-binding capacity typically occurs in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body tries to increase its capacity to transport iron. This would not cause a low hemoglobin level in an otherwise healthy individual.
Choice C rationale:
Aging often leads to a decrease in the efficiency of nutrient absorption, including iron. This decrease in intestinal absorption of iron can result in low hemoglobin levels in elderly individuals. It's a common cause of anemia in the elderly population.
Choice D rationale:
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. A decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys would lead to anemia, but it is not a typical effect of aging and is usually associated with kidney disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stenosis of the heart valves typically leads to murmurs and changes in heart sounds but does not directly impact blood pressure regulation.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased adrenergic sensitivity might lead to lower heart rate and blood pressure, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as seen in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Increased parasympathetic activity would lead to decreased heart rate, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as observed in the patient.
Choice D rationale:
Loss of elasticity in arterial vessels is the correct answer. With aging, arterial walls become less flexible and more rigid due to the accumulation of calcium and collagen. This loss of elasticity results in increased systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading. The diastolic pressure, represented by the bottom number, does not usually increase significantly with age. This change is a result of arteriosclerosis, which commonly occurs in elderly individuals.
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