An older adult client comes to an acute care facility and reports severe back pain. The client's blood report shows immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration of 2 grams/deciliter and plasma cells of 8% in the bone marrow. The client does not show symptoms of anemia or hypercalcemia. Based on these findings, which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is suspected in this case because the client has an elevated IgA concentration and an increased percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow, but lacks the symptoms typically associated with multiple myeloma, such as anemia, hypercalcemia, or more extensive bone lesions. MGUS is a condition where there is an increase in a single type of immunoglobulin (monoclonal protein) but without the full spectrum of symptoms seen in more aggressive diseases like multiple myeloma.

An Older Adult Client Comes to an Acute Care Facility