A nurse is caring for a patient who is suspected of having giant cell arteritis (GCA). What laboratory tests are most useful in diagnosing this rheumatic disorder? Select all that apply
A) Erythrocyte count
B) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
C) Creatinine clearance
D) C-reactive protein
E) D-dimer
Ans: B, D
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Simultaneous elevation in the ESR and CRP have a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 98% in making the diagnosis of GCA when coupled with clinical findings. Erythrocyte counts, creatinine clearance, and D-dimer are not diagnostically useful.
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The nurse is aware that the patient is in respiratory failure when the blood gas findings are a PaO2 of _____ mm Hg and a PaCO2 of _____ mm Hg
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The nurse is collecting a health history for a patient during a routine health maintenance visit. The patient states, "I am in menopause." Which conclusion by the nurse is most appropriate based on this data?
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In relationship to a profession, what is the primary purpose of professional organizations?
a. Collect dues and fund research. b. Monitor professional practice and discip-line incompetent practitioners. c. Fund political actions groups. d. Establish standards for maintaining high-quality practice in the profession.