The nurse is caring for a patient being tested for rheumatoid arthritis. In reviewing laboratory values, which should the nurse recognize as being diagnostic of rheumatoid arthritis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an indicator of inflammation in the body. A level of 12 mg/L is elevated and can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, although it is not exclusively diagnostic of the condition. It is, however, a significant marker for inflammation that supports the diagnosis in the context of other clinical findings.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Being Tested for Rheumatoid