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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Restricting salt in a child with CF is not advised because these children can lose excessive amounts of salt when they sweat. Maintaining adequate salt intake is important to prevent electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B reason: Limiting fluid intake is not recommended for children with CF. Adequate hydration helps to thin mucus secretions, making them easier to clear from the lungs.
Choice C reason:This is the correct choice. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is essential for children with CF because it helps them digest and absorb nutrients from their food, which is critical due to the malabsorption issues associated with CF.
Choice D reason: Preparing low-fat meals with limited protein is not recommended for children with CF. They require a high-calorie diet with sufficient protein to meet their nutritional needs due to their increased metabolic rate and malabsorption issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the entrance to the trachea. It can block the airway and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of epiglottitis include drooling, dysphagia, dysphonia, high fever, and tripod position. Epiglottitis is rare in infants and more common in children aged 2-6 years.
Choice B reason: Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation and mucus production in the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs. It can impair gas exchange and cause respiratory distress. The signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, and apneic spells. Bronchiolitis is common in infants and children under 2 years of age, especially during the winter months.
Choice C reason: Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Influenza can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. Influenza is common in children and adults of all ages, especially during the flu season.
Choice D reason: Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the larynx and trachea. It can cause a characteristic barking cough, hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress. Croup is common in children aged 6 months to 3 years, especially during the fall and winter months.
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