The nurse is taking care for the child that has been diagnosed with acute renal failure. Which findings should the nurse expect to see in this child?

The reticulocyte count is a measure of young, immature red blood cells. An elevated reticulocyte count indicates the bone marrow's ability to respond to anemia by producing new red blood cells.

For an infant, a reticulocyte count of 8% would be an indicator of severe anemia. An elevated reticulocyte count suggests the body is trying to compensate for the decreased number of mature red blood cells by producing more young ones. This is often seen in severe anemia as the body attempts to increase the red blood cell count.

The other options (A, C, and D) represent normal or less severe reticulocyte counts.

A reticulocyte count of 3% is within the normal range.

A reticulocyte count of 0.5% is on the lower side but not as severe as 8%.

A reticulocyte count of 5% indicates a response to anemia but is not as elevated as 8%.

A. Trientine: Trientine is a medication used to treat copper overload in conditions like Wilson's disease. It is not indicated for iron overdose or toxicity.

B. Dimercaprol: Dimercaprol, also known as BAL (British Anti-Lewisite), is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning but is not primarily used for iron overload or toxicity.

C. Ferrous gluconate: Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron-deficiency anemia by providing additional iron to the body. It is not appropriate for treating iron overdose, as it would worsen the situation.

D. Deferoxamine.

Iron overdose, also known as iron toxicity, can lead to serious complications, including cardiac dysrhythmias. Deferoxamine is a chelating agent used to remove excess iron from the body in cases of iron overload or toxicity, such as in patients with conditions like sickle cell anemia who require frequent blood transfusions. It binds to excess iron and helps excrete it from the body, reducing the risk of iron-related complications, including cardiac issues.