A nurse is caring for a client with anemia. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate to determine the cause of the anemia and assess the size and shape of the red blood cells?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Reticulocyte count
Peripheral blood smear
Serum iron levels
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to identify abnormal hemoglobin types, not to assess the size and shape of red blood cells.
B) This choice is incorrect because a reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood and helps determine if the bone marrow is responding appropriately to anemia, but it does not assess the size and shape of red blood cells.
C) This choice is correct. A peripheral blood smear is used to examine the morphology of red blood cells, including their size, shape, and appearance. It can help identify different types of anemia and determine the cause of anemia.
D) This choice is incorrect because serum iron levels provide information about iron status but do not directly assess the size and shape of red blood cells.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because folate-deficiency anemia is associated with a deficiency of folic acid, often caused by poor dietary intake or malabsorption, but not specifically linked to alcoholism.
B) This choice is incorrect because hemolytic anemia is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and is not directly related to alcoholism.
C) This choice is incorrect because sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder and is not caused by alcohol consumption.
D) This choice is correct. Macrocytic anemia is commonly associated with alcoholism due to the direct toxic effects of alcohol on bone marrow, resulting in the production of larger-than-normal red blood cells (macrocytes).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because hemolytic anemia is characterized by an increased destruction of red blood cells, which would typically result in a high reticulocyte count.
B) This choice is incorrect because iron-deficiency anemia is characterized by a low level of iron, which leads to decreased hemoglobin production but does not necessarily affect reticulocyte count.
C) This choice is correct. Aplastic anemia is characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce an adequate number of red blood cells, leading to a low reticulocyte count.
D) This choice is incorrect because pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12, which affects red blood cell maturation but does not directly influence reticulocyte count.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.