Question

Why did Ms. Mattson's physician order measurement of her brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels along with other diagnostic tests? What is the most accurate rationale for the physician's choice of bloodwork?

A. BNP is released as a compensatory mechanism during heart failure and measuring it can help differentiate the client's dyspnea from a respiratory pathology.
B. BNP is an indirect indicator of the effectiveness of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system in compensating for heart failure.
C. BNP levels correlate with the client's risk of developing cognitive deficits secondary to heart failure and consequent brain hypoxia.
D. BNP becomes elevated in cases of cardiac asthma, Cheyne-Stokes respirations and acute pulmonary edema and measurement can gauge the severity of pulmonary effects.

Answer 1

The measurement of BNP levels was ordered by Ms. Mattson's physician to aid in the diagnosis of heart failure, which can be indicated by elevated BNP levels, and to distinguish heart-related dyspnea from respiratory issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ms. Mattson's physician ordered measurement of her brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels because BNP is released as a compensatory mechanism during heart failure. This helps to differentiate the client's dyspnea from respiratory pathologies, as BNP becomes elevated in conditions where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. The correct rationale for the physician's choice of bloodwork is option A: BNP is released as a compensatory mechanism during heart failure, and measuring it can help differentiate the client's dyspnea from a respiratory pathology.