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 B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. The natural loss of deciduous (baby) teeth typically begins around 6 years of age, not at 2 years old.
B. Correct. Toddlers often have a nontender, protruding abdomen due to their underdeveloped abdominal muscles.
C. Incorrect. The fontanels (soft spots on the baby's head) should be closed by 18-24 months of age. Palpable fontanels at 2 years old could indicate abnormal cranial development.
D. Incorrect. It is not typical for a 2-year-old's head circumference to exceed their chest circumference. Head circumference is usually greater in infants but gradually becomes similar to chest circumference by 1-2 years of age.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid) is not typically associated with placenta previa. It can be associated with conditions like fetal abnormalities or maternal diabetes.
B. Incorrect. Uterine tenderness might be present in conditions like uterine contractions, but it is not a primary finding in placenta previa.
C. Incorrect. Nausea is a common pregnancy symptom and is not directly related to placenta previa.
D. Correct. Spotting or painless vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa, which occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix. It can be life-threatening if severe bleeding occurs.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.