A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has sickle cell anemia about managing the disease at home.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Report sudden, persistent headaches.
Apply cold compresses to painful areas.
Restrict fluid intake during times of stress.
Avoid meningococcal immunizations.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the parents to report sudden, persistent headaches in a child with sickle cell anemia because it could be a sign of a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) Sickle cell anemia predisposes individuals to vaso-occlusive crises, which can lead to stroke due to impaired blood flow. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing complications.
Choice B rationale:
Applying cold compresses to painful areas may help in managing pain during vaso-occlusive crises, but it is not as critical as identifying signs of more severe complications such as stroke. This instruction does not address the urgency of reporting sudden, persistent headaches.
Choice C rationale:
Restricting fluid intake during times of stress is not appropriate for a child with sickle cell anemia. In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is important to prevent vaso-occlusive crises. Dehydration can exacerbate sickling of red blood cells, leading to more pain and complications.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding meningococcal immunizations is not appropriate for a child with sickle cell anemia. In fact, children with sickle cell disease are at an increased risk of infections, including meningitis. Immunizations, including those for meningococcus, are essential to prevent life-threatening infections in these individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hearing loss is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the visual system, leading to disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision. It can also cause various cardiac symptoms due to its effects on heart rhythm and contractility. Hearing loss is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Tachycardia (fast heart rate) can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause arrhythmias and alter heart rate, which may lead to tachycardia. While this is a possible symptom, it is not as specific as other manifestations, such as visual disturbances.
Choice C rationale:
Blurred vision is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause disturbances in color vision, such as seeing yellow or green halos around objects. Blurred vision is a significant indicator of digoxin toxicity and requires prompt medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the cardiovascular and visual systems, leading to symptoms related to heart rhythm disturbances and vision changes. Insomnia is not a typical manifestation of digoxin toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. St. John's wort is an herbal supplement that can interact with antidepressant medications like amitriptyline and should be avoided.
B. Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach can lead to gastrointestinal upset, so it is better to take it with food.
C. Amitriptyline can have anticholinergic effects, which might lower blood pressure rather than raise it.
D. Correct. Amitriptyline and other antidepressants take a few weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, so it's important for the client to understand this delayed response.
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