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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms. It is not effective for acute asthma attacks, as it does not provide immediate bronchodilation.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that is used for long-term control and prevention of inflammation in asthma. It is not effective for acute asthma attacks, as it does not provide immediate relief of bronchospasm.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as prednisone is an oral corticosteroid that is used for short-term treatment of severe asthma exacerbations. It is not effective for acute asthma attacks, as it takes several hours to exert its anti-inflammatory effect.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as albuterol is a short-acting beta2 agonist that is used for quick relief of acute asthma symptoms. It provides rapid bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining blood culture specimens is important to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy, but it is not the priority action for a child who is in respiratory distress. The nurse should first secure the airway and stabilize the child's condition.
Choice B reason: Administering an antipyretic may help lower the fever and reduce discomfort, but it does not address the cause of the dyspnea and drooling, which may indicate epiglottitis. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate airway management.
Choice C reason: Preparing for nasotracheal intubation is the priority action for a child who has signs of epiglottitis, as it can prevent airway obstruction and respiratory failure. The nurse should have the equipment and personnel ready for intubation and avoid any stimulation or manipulation of the throat that can trigger laryngeal spasm.
Choice D reason: Inserting an IV catheter is necessary to administer fluids and medications, but it is not the first priority for a child who is in respiratory distress. The nurse should focus on the airway before the circulation.
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