A nurse is caring for a child who has acute appendicitis. Which of the following results should the nurse anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values?
RBC 4.2 million/mm³
Lymphocytes 3,000/mm3
Neutrophils 3.000/mm³
WBC 17.000/mm3
The Correct Answer is D
When caring for a child with acute appendicitis, the nurse should anticipate an elevated white blood cell count (WBC) in the laboratory values. A high WBC count is a common finding in acute appendicitis, as it indicates an inflammatory response and infection in the body. The body's immune system responds to the inflammation caused by the infected appendix, leading to an increase in WBCs to fight off the infection.
The other options are not necessarily specific to acute appendicitis:
A. RBC 4.2 million/mm³: The red blood cell count (RBC) measures the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This value may be within the normal range, but it is not the primary marker for diagnosing or monitoring acute appendicitis.
B. Lymphocytes 3,000/mm3: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. While changes in lymphocyte levels can occur during inflammation, it is not the primary marker for diagnosing or monitoring acute appendicitis.
C. Neutrophils 3.000/mm³: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that increases in response to infection and inflammation. However, the absolute neutrophil count is not as relevant as the overall WBC count in determining the presence and severity of acute appendicitis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
For a child with hemophilia experiencing a joint injury, the best home treatment and therapy would be elevation and the application of ice to the affected joint. This approach helps reduce swelling and minimize bleeding in the joint.
Option A (factor VIII concentrates) is a treatment for hemophilia but is typically administered intravenously to replace the deficient clotting factor in the blood. It is not a home treatment for joint injuries.
Option C (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs) may be used to manage pain and inflammation, but they do not address the underlying bleeding disorder in hemophilia or directly treat joint injuries.
Option D (DDAVP - synthetic vasopressin) is used in some types of hemophilia to temporarily raise factor VIII levels, but it is not typically used for joint injuries or as a home treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Gastrointestinal:
Kawasaki disease primarily affects blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal system is not the main target of this condition. While gastrointestinal symptoms can occur as part of the overall inflammatory response, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, they are not the primary focus of concern in Kawasaki disease. The most critical system to monitor in Kawasaki disease is the cardiovascular system, specifically the coronary arteries.
B. Respiratory:
The respiratory system is not the primary system affected by Kawasaki disease. While respiratory symptoms can occur as part of the overall inflammatory response and fever associated with the disease, such as coughing or runny nose, they are not the main concern in Kawasaki disease. The primary system to monitor in this condition is the cardiovascular system, especially the coronary arteries.
C. Cardiovascular:
This is the correct answer. Kawasaki disease is primarily a vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) that affects various blood vessels, including the coronary arteries. The inflammation of the coronary arteries can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and other cardiac complications. Monitoring the cardiovascular system is essential to detect any signs of coronary artery involvement and ensure timely intervention to prevent potential long-term cardiac problems.
D. Integumentary:
The integumentary system (skin) is not the primary focus of Kawasaki disease. While some skin changes can occur during the acute phase of the disease, such as a rash or peeling skin on the hands and feet, these are not the primary concerns. Monitoring the cardiovascular system is critical in Kawasaki disease due to the risk of coronary artery inflammation and potential complications.
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