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: The child has signs of dehydration and hypovolemic shock, such as vomiting, melena, abdominal pain, and weak pedal pulses. Dehydration is a loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body, which can result from gastroenteritis. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood volume is too low to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to the vital organs.
Choice B reason: The child does not have signs of peritonitis and septic shock, such as fever, chills, rigors, tachycardia, hypotension, and abdominal rigidity. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs. Septic shock is a severe infection that causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction.
Choice C reason: The child does not have signs of pancreatitis and cardiogenic shock, such as elevated serum amylase and lipase, jaundice, dyspnea, crackles, and chest pain. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. Cardiogenic shock is a failure of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Choice D reason: The child does not have signs of peptic ulcer and anaphylactic shock, such as hematemesis, dyspepsia, urticaria, angioedema, and wheezes. Peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAIDs, or stress. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that causes bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and hypotension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as the child should take the enzymes before or with meals, not after. Taking the enzymes after meals may reduce their effectiveness and cause malabsorption of nutrients.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as the child should take the enzymes within 30 minutes before meals, not 2 hours. Taking the enzymes too early may cause them to be inactivated by the stomach acid and lose their function.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as the child does not take the enzymes to improve her metabolism, but to replace the deficient pancreatic enzymes that are needed for digestion. The child has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the exocrine glands and causes thick mucus to block the ducts of the pancreas.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as the child takes the enzymes to help digest the fat in foods, as well as other nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates. The enzymes contain lipase, amylase, and protease, which break down fat, starch, and protein respectively.
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