An 18-year-old male is taking Hydroxyurea for treatment of sickle cell anemia. Which options below indicate this medication is working successfully?
The patient experiences a decrease in hemoglobin S.
The patient experiences dehydration due to diuresis
The patient experiences an increase in fetal hemoglobin (Hbg F)
The patient needs fewer blood transfusions.
The patient experiences diuresis
Correct Answer : C,D
A. The patient experiences a decrease in hemoglobin S. Hydroxyurea does not decrease hemoglobin S levels directly; it works by increasing fetal hemoglobin (Hgb F) levels.
B. The patient experiences dehydration due to diuresis. This is not an indication that Hydroxyurea is working; it is a potential side effect that should be monitored.
C. The patient experiences an increase in fetal hemoglobin (Hbg F). Hydroxyurea works by increasing the levels of fetal hemoglobin, which reduces the sickling of red blood cells.
D. The patient needs fewer blood transfusions. Successful treatment with Hydroxyurea should reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises and the need for blood transfusions.
E. The patient experiences diuresis. This is not an indicator of the medication's effectiveness; it is a potential side effect.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Phalitis: This term is not commonly used and does not specifically refer to swelling in the hands and feet.
B. Dactylitis: Dactylitis is a common manifestation of sickle cell disease in infants, characterized by painful swelling of the hands and feet due to vaso-occlusive episodes.
C. Erythromelaglia: Erythromelalgia is a condition characterized by burning pain, redness, and warmth in the extremities, but it is not typically associated with sickle cell disease.
D. Dyshidrotia: This term is not commonly used in medical terminology and does not specifically refer to swelling in the hands and feet.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This response accurately describes the pathophysiology of sickle cell crisis. During a crisis, sickled red blood cells clump together, leading to microvascular occlusion and impaired blood flow to tissues, resulting in pain.
B. Bleeding in the joints is not a characteristic feature of sickle cell crisis. It may occur in other conditions such as hemophilia or osteoarthritis but not in sickle cell crisis.
C. Disturbance in cellular metabolism is not the primary mechanism underlying the pain experienced during sickle cell crisis.
D. Bone marrow expansion with sickled cells may contribute to bone pain in sickle cell disease, but it is not the primary cause of pain during a sickle cell crisis.
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