Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about laboratory testing with a client.
Which of the following findings should the nurse include as an indicator of infection?
A. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the body. In the presence of an infection, the ESR tends to rise due to increased levels of acute-phase reactants, such as fibrinogen and globulins. However, it is important to note that an increased ESR alone does not diagnose a specific infection but rather indicates the presence of inflammation or infection.
B. Decreased platelets
Should not be included because they are not typically associated with infection. Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) may occur due to various reasons, such as certain medications, immune disorders, or bone marrow problems, but they are not directly linked to infections.
C. Increased iron level
Should not be included because it is not a typical finding in an active infection. In fact, during an infection, iron levels tend to decrease in response to the body's efforts to withhold iron from pathogens, as most microorganisms require iron for their growth and survival.
D. Decreased hemoglobin
Should not be included because it is not directly indicative of an infection. A decrease in hemoglobin levels may be associated with conditions such as anaemia, blood loss, or certain chronic diseases, but it is not a specific marker for infection.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Proctored Exam 1. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Explanation
A. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
A. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the body. In the presence of an infection, the ESR tends to rise due to increased levels of acute-phase reactants, such as fibrinogen and globulins. However, it is important to note that an increased ESR alone does not diagnose a specific infection but rather indicates the presence of inflammation or infection.
Decreased platelets in (option B) should not be included because they are not typically associated with infection. Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) may occur due to various reasons, such as certain medications, immune disorders, or bone marrow problems, but they are not directly linked to infections.
Increased iron level in (option C) should not be included because it is not a typical finding in an active infection. In fact, during an infection, iron levels tend to decrease in response to the body's efforts to withhold iron from pathogens, as most microorganisms require iron for their growth and survival.
Decreased haemoglobin in (option D) should not be included because it is not directly indicative of an infection. A decrease in hemoglobin levels may be associated with conditions such as anaemia, blood loss, or certain chronic diseases, but it is not a specific marker for infection.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is to begin chemotherapy. The client asks the nurse about managing hair loss. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "I can't imagine how difficult it would be to lose my hair."
While expressing empathy is important, it is crucial to focus on the client's needs and experiences rather than the nurse's own feelings. This response may unintentionally minimize the client's concerns.
B. "I wouldn't worry about this right now. Let's focus on your chemotherapy."
Dismissing or minimizing the client's concerns about hair loss can be invalidating and may not address the emotional impact it can have on the client. It is important to provide information and support regarding hair loss management as part of comprehensive care.
C. "Let's discuss this when we have more time."
This response delays addressing the client's concerns and may leave the client feeling unheard or dismissed. The nurse should make an effort to provide support and information in a timely manner to address the client's needs.
D. "I will get you information about some head-covering options."
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and it can have a significant impact on the client's self-esteem and body image. The nurse should respond with empathy and provide supportive information and resources to help the client cope with hair loss. Offering head-covering options such as wigs, scarves, or hats can help the client feel more comfortable and confident during the hair loss process.
Full Explanation
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and it can have a significant impact on the client's self-esteem and body image. The nurse should respond with empathy and provide supportive information and resources to help the client cope with hair loss.
Offering head-covering options such as wigs, scarves, or hats can help the client feel more comfortable and confident during the hair loss process.
The other responses are less appropriate:
- "I can't imagine how difficult it would be to lose my hair." While expressing empathy is important, it is crucial to focus on the client's needs and experiences rather than the nurse's own feelings. This response may unintentionally minimize the client's concerns.
- "I wouldn't worry about this right now. Let's focus on your chemotherapy." Dismissing or minimizing the client's concerns about hair loss can be invalidating and may not address the emotional impact it can have on the client. It is important to provide information and support regarding hair loss management as part of comprehensive care.
- "Let's discuss this when we have more time." This response delays addressing the client's concerns and may leave the client feeling unheard or dismissed. The nurse should make an effort to provide support and information in a timely manner to address the client's needs.
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking multiple medications and asks about possible interactions. To which of the following members of the interdisciplinary team should the nurse make a referral?
A. Social worker
Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
B. Patient care technician
Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
C. Psychologist
Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.
D. Advanced practice nurse
The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use. The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:
Full Explanation
The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.
The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:
Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.
A nurse is collecting data from a 4-month-old infant at a well-child visit. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?
A. Posterior fontanel closed
The posterior fontanel, located at the back of the head, usually closes by 2 to 3 months of age.
B. Rolls from back to abdomen
By 4 months of age, it is expected that infants can roll from their back to their abdomen. This is a normal developmental milestone.
C. Anterior fontanel closed
Fontanels are soft spots on an infant's skull where the bones have not yet fused together. The anterior fontanel, located at the front of the head, typically closes between 12 to 18 months of age.
D. Moves objects to mouth
At 4 months, infants begin to develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to reach for objects. Bringing objects to the mouth is a typical behavior at this age as infants explore their environment.
Full Explanation
Fontanels are soft spots on an infant's skull where the bones have not yet fused together. The anterior fontanel, located at the front of the head, typically closes between 12 to 18 months of age. The posterior fontanel, located at the back of the head, usually closes by 2 to 3 months of age.
The other findings mentioned are typical developmental milestones for a 4-month-old infant:
- Rolling from back to abdomen: By 4 months of age, it is expected that infants can roll from their back to their abdomen. This is a normal developmental milestone.
- Moves objects to mouth: At 4 months, infants begin to develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to reach for objects. Bringing objects to the mouth is a typical behavior at this age as infants explore their environment.