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 D
Explanation
The nurse's priority assessment finding in an adolescent who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen is low blood pressure (hypotension). Hypotension could indicate significant internal bleeding or hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate attention. The decreased blood pressure may be a sign of shock, and prompt intervention is needed to stabilize the client's condition and prevent further deterioration.
While all the other findings (respiratory rate, abdominal pain, and heart rate) are important and should be assessed and monitored, blood pressure is the most critical in this situation due to its potential association with severe internal injuries and the risk of hypovolemic shock.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A.Factor X is a clotting factor involved in the coagulation cascade. It is not directly related to preventing infections. While clotting factors are essential for hemostasis, they do not play a role in infection prevention.
B. Steroids can suppress the immune response, making the child more susceptible to infections. Therefore, they are not specifically administered to prevent infections
C. In a child with a sickle cell crisis who is hospitalized, preventing infections is crucial due to the increased risk of infections in this condition. Administering immunizations that the patient is scheduled for can help prevent certain infections.
Children with sickle cell disease are at a higher risk of bacterial infections, especially from encapsulated organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines can help protect against these pathogens and reduce the risk of serious infections.
Some of the recommended immunizations for children with sickle cell disease include:
Pneumococcal vaccine: This helps protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause severe respiratory and bloodstream infections.
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine: This protects against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, which can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis.
Meningococcal vaccine: This protects against Neisseria meningitidis, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
Influenza vaccine: This annual vaccine helps protect against seasonal flu, which can be severe in children with sickle cell disease.
Administering these vaccines according to the recommended schedule helps provide protection against certain infections and can improve outcomes for children with sickle cell disease during hospitalization and beyond. The other options, Factor X, steroids, and PCA morphine, are not specific measures for preventing infections in a child with sickle cell crisis.
D.PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) morphine is used for pain management during a sickle cell crisis. It does not directly prevent infections.
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