A nurse is preparing to develop a plan of care for a school-aged child who has been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the plan of care?
The child has a normal potassium level.
The child has a low hemoglobin level.
The child has a high platelet level.
The child has a low blood glucose level.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: The child has a normal potassium level, as it is within the reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body.
Choice B reason: The child has a low hemoglobin level, as it is below the reference range of 10 to 15.5 g/dL. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that causes the red blood cells to have an abnormal shape and become rigid, sticky, and prone to clumping. This can lead to hemolysis, anemia, and reduced oxygen delivery.
Choice C reason: The child has a normal platelet level, as it is within the reference range of 150,000 to 450,000 mm^3^. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting and prevent bleeding. Sickle cell anemia can cause thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, due to increased destruction or sequestration of platelets in the spleen.
Choice D reason: The child has a normal blood glucose level, as it is within the reference range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. Blood glucose is the main source of energy for the cells in the body. Sickle cell anemia can cause hypoglycemia, a low blood glucose level, due to impaired glucose metabolism, increased glucose utilization, or decreased glucose production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 13% weight loss is a sign of severe dehydration in infants. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Acute gastroenteritis can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration.
Choice B reason: A bulging anterior fontanel is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of increased intracranial pressure. The anterior fontanel is the soft spot on the top of the infant's head. It should be flat or slightly concave, not bulging or sunken.
Choice C reason: Bradypnea is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of respiratory depression. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, usually less than 12 breaths per minute in infants. Dehydration can cause tachypnea, which is abnormally fast breathing, usually more than 60 breaths per minute in infants.
Choice D reason: A capillary refill of 3 seconds is not a sign of dehydration, but rather a sign of normal perfusion. Capillary refill is the time it takes for the color to return to the nail bed after pressing on it. A normal capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. Dehydration can cause delayed capillary refill, which is more than 2 seconds.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: D
Choice A reason:
Placing an infant on their left side after feeding is not the most recommended position for managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER). While it may be better than lying flat on the back, it does not provide the same benefits as keeping the infant in an upright position.
Choice B reason:
Positioning an infant on their right side is generally not advised for GER management. This position can potentially worsen reflux as it may facilitate the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus due to the stomach's anatomical orientation.
Choice C reason:
Placing an infant in a prone position, especially after feeding, is strongly discouraged due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although this position may reduce gastroesophageal reflux, the potential risks far outweigh the benefits.
Choice D reason:
Placing an infant in an infant seat is the recommended position following feedings for a child with GER. This position helps keep the infant upright, allowing gravity to aid in keeping the stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus. However, it's important to note that the infant seat should not be inclined, as semi-supine positioning can exacerbate GER.
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