The nurse is assessing a school-aged child with sickle-cell anemia. Which assessment finding is consistent with this child’s diagnosis?
Slightly yellow sclera.
Depigmented areas on the abdomen.
Enlarged mandibular growth.
Increased growth of long bones.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Slightly yellow sclera, or jaundice, is a common finding in children with sickle cell anemia. The breakdown of sickled red blood cells leads to increased bilirubin levels in the blood, which can cause jaundice. This yellowing is often most noticeable in the sclera of the eyes. Jaundice is a result of hemolysis, a hallmark of sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
Choice B rationale
Depigmented areas on the abdomen are not typically associated with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia primarily affects the blood and organs, leading to complications such as pain crises, anemia, and organ damage. Skin changes like depigmentation are not characteristic of this condition and may indicate other underlying issues.
Choice C rationale
Enlarged mandibular growth is not a common finding in sickle cell anemia. While children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and skeletal abnormalities due to chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperactivity, mandibular enlargement is not a typical feature. Skeletal changes in sickle cell anemia are more likely to involve long bones and vertebrae.
Choice D rationale
Increased growth of long bones is not a characteristic finding in sickle cell anemia. In fact, children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and shorter stature due to chronic anemia and the body’s increased demand for red blood cell production. The condition can lead to skeletal abnormalities, but these typically involve bone infarctions and deformities rather than increased growth.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the child on a no-salt-added diet is important for managing fluid retention and hypertension in acute glomerulonephritis, but it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents about potential complications is essential for long-term management, but it is not the immediate priority in an acute setting.
Choice C rationale
Checking the child’s daily weight is the priority action because it helps monitor fluid balance and detect any signs of fluid retention or worsening condition. Accurate daily weight measurements are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of treatment and making necessary adjustments.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a saline-lock is important for intravenous access, but it is not the immediate priority compared to monitoring fluid balance through daily weight checks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of otitis media in children. This behavior is often observed because the child is experiencing discomfort or pain in the ear, and tugging or pulling on the ear lobe is a way to express or alleviate that discomfort.
Choice B rationale
Erythema and edema of the affected ear are not typical findings in otitis media. These symptoms are more commonly associated with external ear infections, such as otitis externa.
Choice C rationale
Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe is more indicative of otitis externa rather than otitis media. Otitis media involves the middle ear, and manipulation of the ear lobe does not typically cause pain.
Choice D rationale
Clear drainage from the affected ear is not a typical finding in otitis media. If there is drainage, it is usually purulent (pus-like) and indicates a more severe infection or a ruptured eardrum.