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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Changes in the voice signal the beginning of puberty is incorrect, as voice changes usually occur in the middle or late stages of puberty, not the beginning. The first sign of puberty in boys is usually testicular enlargement, followed by pubic hair growth and penile enlargement.
Choice B reason: Growth spurts in height occur toward the end of mid-puberty is correct, as this is the typical pattern of growth for boys during puberty. Boys usually start their growth spurt later than girls, but grow faster and for a longer period of time.
Choice C reason: Puberty might be delayed if scrotal changes have not occurred by the age of 11 years is incorrect, as this is not a definitive indicator of delayed puberty. Puberty can vary widely among individuals, and some boys may start later than others without any underlying problem. Delayed puberty is usually diagnosed if there is no sign of puberty by the age of 14 years.
Choice D reason: Gynecomastia commonly occurs during late puberty is incorrect, as gynecomastia, or the enlargement of breast tissue in males, usually occurs in the early or middle stages of puberty, not the late stage. It is caused by hormonal changes and usually resolves on its own within a few months or years.
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.
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