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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Developing autonomy is a normal developmental milestone for toddlers. However, the behaviors described in the question (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are more indicative of regression rather than autonomy.
Choice B rationale
Resentment toward the mother is not a typical developmental reaction for an 18-month-old toddler. The behaviors described are more indicative of regression due to the stress of hospitalization.
Choice C rationale
Anxiety reaction can occur in toddlers who are hospitalized, but the behaviors described (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are more indicative of regression.
Choice D rationale
Regression is a common reaction in toddlers who are hospitalized. The behaviors described (sitting quietly, sucking thumb, turning away) are typical signs of regression, where the child reverts to earlier developmental behaviors as a coping mechanism.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the child to talk about the procedure is important for emotional support, but it is not the most critical assessment immediately after a cardiac catheterization. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice B rationale
Confirming to the child that the procedure has been completed is important for reassurance, but it is not the most critical assessment. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice C rationale
Gradually allowing the child to adapt to the lighted surroundings is not relevant to the immediate post-procedure care. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.
Choice D rationale
Checking pedal pulses frequently is the most important assessment after a cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. It helps to ensure that there is adequate blood flow to the lower extremities and to detect any signs of arterial obstruction or complications at the catheter insertion site.