A patient's laboratory test results help confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.The nurse understands that which of the following complement findings are associated with this condition?
A)Decreased C3 and normal C4
B)Decreased C4 and normal C3
C)Increased C3 and decreased C4
D)Increased C3 and increased C4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with decreased levels of complement components due to their consumption in the immune complexes formed during the disease process. Specifically, C3 levels are often decreased, while C4 may remain normal or also be decreased, but the option given only mentions decreased C3 with normal C4, which aligns with common findings in rheumatoid arthritis.

A Patient's Laboratory Test Results Help Confirm a Diagnosis of Rheumatoid