A nurse is creating a plan of care for a child who has sickle cell anemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Discourage a high level of fluid intake.
Administer meperidine every 4 hr for pain.
Apply cold compresses to painful, swollen joints.
Observe for indications of hypokalemia.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct description of Bryant traction. This type of traction does not involve pins or wires inserted into the bone. It is a skin traction that uses adhesive straps or bandages attached to the skin of the lower legs.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct description of Bryant traction. This type of traction does not maintain the leg in an extended position. It flexes the hip and knee at a 90-degree angle and suspends the leg in the air.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct description of Bryant traction. This type of traction does not use a sling under the knee of the affected leg. It uses a spreader bar to keep the legs apart and prevent rotation.
Choice D reason: This is a correct description of Bryant traction. This type of traction elevates the buttocks slightly off of the bed to provide countertraction and alignment of the fractured bone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the child to avoid sharing hats with other children is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of lice transmission. Lice are spread by direct contact with the hair or personal items of an infested person. Hats, combs, brushes, scarves, and pillows are some of the items that can harbor lice.
Choice B reason: The lice can survive for 2 weeks away from the host is a false statement. Lice cannot live longer than 24 to 48 hours without a human host. They need blood to survive and reproduce. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
Choice C reason: Washing your child's hair daily will prevent lice is a false statement. Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. They can affect anyone regardless of how often they wash their hair. In fact, lice may prefer clean hair because it is easier to attach to. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
Choice D reason: Lice can jump from one child to another is a false statement. Lice cannot jump, fly, or hop. They can only crawl from one person to another. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.
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