Question

34 of 50
the nurse working in an outpatient clinic is assisting with the admission intake on a client. the nurse asks about the reason for the visit, and the client describes a dull abdominal pain with diminished appetite and nausea. on further assessment, the pain is described as right - sided and low, persistent, and continuous, the abdomen is tender and rigid, with guarding and rebound tenderness. based on the assessment findings, the nurse anticipates which diagnostic tests to be ordered?
rationale, strategy, reference, tip
answer options
1 amylase and lipase levels
2 red blood cell count with indices
3 white blood cell count with differential
4 aspartate aminotransferase (ast) and alanine aminotransferase (alt)

Explanation:

The client has right - sided, low, persistent abdominal pain with tenderness, rigidity, guarding, and rebound tenderness. These are signs that may indicate an inflammatory process. A white blood cell count with differential can help assess for infection or inflammation. Amylase and lipase are more related to pancreatic issues. Red blood cell count with indices is mainly for anemia assessment. AST and ALT are liver - function tests.

Answer:

1. White blood cell count with differential