Question

While reviewing laboratory results, the nurse notes that one client has an elevated C-reactive protein level. What should the nurse identify as a priority for this client?

1) Teaching to reduce aggravation of inflammation after discharge
2) Interventions to rule out the diagnosis of liver failure
3) Actions to reduce localized inflammation
4) Administration of medications to reduce symptoms of inflammation

Answer 1

The priority action for a nurse when a client has an elevated CRP is to administer medications to reduce symptoms of inflammation and to investigate the underlying cause. CRP elevation indicates inflammation that may require both immediate and long-term treatment strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse notes that a client has an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, it indicates that there may be inflammation, an infection, or another condition that is prompting the body to mount an inflammatory response. CRP is a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence of inflammation in the body. The priority for the nurse when noting an elevated CRP would often involve actions to reduce localized inflammation and facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of inflammation.

In response to a question about CRP, a priority nursing action would be to administer medications to reduce symptoms of inflammation, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or steroids, depending on the underlying pathology. However, it is also important to remember that anti-inflammatory treatments can have undesirable consequences, such as an increased risk of infections due to the suppression of the immune response.