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 A
Explanation
A. Correct. Influenza immunization is recommended for pregnant individuals, and it can be given at any time during pregnancy, especially during flu season.
B. Incorrect. The hepatitis B immunization is safe during pregnancy and can be administered if indicated, regardless of breastfeeding status.
C. Incorrect. Rubella immunization is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It should be given prior to pregnancy or after delivery.
D. Incorrect. Varicella immunization is also not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks. It should be administered before pregnancy or after delivery if needed.
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