Which blood test result for a client being assessed for a hematologic problem indicates to the nurse that chronic anemia is likely?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A high reticulocyte value indicates increased bone marrow production to compensate for chronic anemia. A low hematocrit indicates anemia severity but not chronicity. INR and platelet count are not specific to chronic anemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Choice A (Correct Answer - An autoimmune disorder): 1. Aplastic anemia is often associated with autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the bone marrow cells. 2. In aplastic anemia of unknown cause, autoimmune reactions are a common underlying mechanism. 3. Autoimmune disorders can disrupt the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells. Summary of Other Choices: B: Chemotherapy drugs - While chemotherapy can cause aplastic anemia, the question specifies an unknown cause. C: Radiation exposure - Radiation exposure can lead to aplastic anemia, but the question specifies an unknown cause. D: Toxins - Toxins can contribute to aplastic anemia, but the question implies an undiagnosed origin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ferritin. Ferritin is the major metabolically available storage form of iron in the body. It stores excess iron in a soluble and non-toxic form, releasing it when needed for various physiological functions. Rationale: 1. Ferritin is a protein that binds and stores iron within its structure. 2. It helps regulate the levels of iron in the body by storing excess iron and releasing it when needed. 3. Hemosiderin is an insoluble form of iron storage, not readily available for metabolism. 4. Transferrin is a transport protein that carries iron in the blood, not a storage form. 5. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, not a storage form of iron. Summary: Ferritin is the correct answer as it is the primary metabolically available storage form of iron, while the other choices are incorrect as they do not serve as major storage forms of iron in the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Hydroxyurea inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, reducing the conversion of xanthine to uric acid. 2. This leads to decreased production of uric acid, resulting in lower serum uric acid levels. 3. Therefore, the statement that hydroxyurea increases serum uric acid levels is FALSE. 4. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the pharmacological mechanism of hydroxyurea in reducing uric acid levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body, typically the legs (DVT), travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This can be fatal if not promptly treated. Thromboembolism (A) is a general term for blood clots that travel in the bloodstream. DVT (B) specifically refers to a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the legs. PAD (C) stands for peripheral artery disease, which is caused by atherosclerosis and results in reduced blood flow to the extremities, but it does not typically lead to fatal clot formation in the circulation like a pulmonary embolism does.