A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child who has a fever, tachycardia, and low oxygen saturation. The nurse reviews the child's laboratory results and notes the following:
- WBC count 15,000/mm^3^ (normal range: 5,000 to 10,000/mm^3^)
- Hgb 8 g/dL (normal range: 10 to 15.5 g/dL)
- Hct 32% (normal range: 32% to 44%)
The nurse should suspect that the child has which of the following conditions?
Leukemia.
Sickle cell anemia.
Hemophilia.
Iron deficiency anemia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Leukemia is not a probable condition, as it is a cancer of the white blood cells that causes abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature or dysfunctional white blood cells. The child has a high WBC count, which can indicate leukemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of leukemia, such as bleeding, bruising, bone pain, or lymphadenopathy.
Choice B reason: Sickle cell anemia is a possible condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the shape and function of the red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and rigid. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, and a fever, tachycardia, and low oxygen saturation, which can indicate a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is a condition where the sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow and cause tissue ischemia and inflammation.
Choice C reason: Hemophilia is not a likely condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the clotting factors, causing impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, but not necessarily hemophilia. The child does not have other signs of hemophilia, such as bleeding, bruising, hemarthrosis, or hematuria.
Choice D reason: Iron deficiency anemia is not a definite condition, as it is a type of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate iron deficiency anemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of iron deficiency anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, or pica.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not remove the harness when bathing the infant, as this may interrupt the treatment and cause complications. The nurse should instruct the parents to sponge bathe the infant while wearing the harness, and to keep the harness clean and dry.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not adjust the straps of the Pavlik harness by themselves, as this may affect the position and stability of the infant's hips. The nurse should instruct the parents to bring the infant to the provider's office regularly for check-ups and adjustments of the harness.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should not place a thin layer of clothing under the straps of the harness, as this may interfere with the proper alignment and function of the harness. The nurse should instruct the parents to dress the infant in loose-fitting clothing over the harness, and to avoid using bulky or cloth diapers.
Choice D reason: This is a correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan. The parents should check the infant's skin under the straps of the harness for redness or irritation, as this may indicate skin breakdown or infection. The nurse should instruct the parents to keep the infant's skin clean and dry, and to report any signs of redness, swelling, or drainage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Discouraging a high level of fluid intake is incorrect, as hydration is essential for preventing sickle cell crises and reducing blood viscosity. The nurse should encourage the child to drink at least 1.5 times the normal fluid requirement.
Choice B reason: Administering meperidine every 4 hr for pain is incorrect, as meperidine is not recommended for sickle cell pain due to the risk of neurotoxicity and seizures. The nurse should use other opioids such as morphine or hydromorphone for pain management.
Choice C reason: Applying cold compresses to painful, swollen joints is incorrect, as cold can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the sickling of red blood cells. The nurse should use warm compresses or heating pads to promote vasodilation and blood flow.
Choice D reason: Observing for indications of hypokalemia is correct, as sickle cell anemia can cause hemolysis and potassium loss. The nurse should monitor the child's serum potassium level and watch for signs of hypokalemia such as muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and constipation.
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