Practice Question
A client presents to the clinic with fatigue, poor appetite, general malaise, and vague joint pain that improves mid-morning. The client has been taking over-the-counter ibuprofen for several months. The healthcare provider makes an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which laboratory test(s) should the nurse report to the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Sedimentation rate
Rationale:
Sedimentation rate (ESR)
🔶 The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific test that detects the presence and intensity of inflammation in the body.
🔶 In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the ESR is typically elevated, indicating active disease and systemic inflammation.
🔶 ESR helps in both diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression or response to treatment.
🔶 Although not exclusive to RA, it provides valuable supportive evidence when combined with other RA-specific markers.
🔶 It is particularly useful during flare-ups to assess inflammation severity.
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
🔶 Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific to RA, making them a reliable biomarker for confirming the diagnosis.
🔶 Their presence often precedes the onset of clinical symptoms and may predict more severe joint damage.
🔶 Anti-CCP is useful in differentiating RA from other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
🔶 Detection of these antibodies is associated with early identification and aggressive disease management.
🔶 Including this test supports accurate clinical decision-making for treatment planning.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
🔶 CRP is a sensitive acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to systemic inflammation.
🔶 Elevated CRP levels correlate with disease activity in RA, especially during acute flares.
🔶 It is often used alongside ESR to monitor inflammatory changes and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
🔶 Persistent elevation in CRP may signal poor control of RA and the need to adjust therapy.
🔶 CRP is also valuable in predicting joint damage and long-term complications in RA patients.
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This question is from RN HESI Exit~2023 Exam 3 which contains 84 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: HESI-Exit Exam(s)
- Domain: HESI Exit Exam(s)~2023
- Answer Choices: 5