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 ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A: This is the first step as it allows the nurse to gather information through observation without causing discomfort to the child. It involves looking at the child’s abdomen for any visible abnormalities like distension, asymmetry, masses, or discoloration.
B: This step follows inspection to assess bowel sounds before any manipulation of the abdomen, which could alter the sounds. The nurse listens for the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds.
C:This step is performed to assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and surface characteristics. It is done gently to avoid causing pain or discomfort.
D:This is the final step to assess for any masses, organomegaly, or deep tenderness. It is performed more firmly but should be done carefully to avoid causing pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sitting on a nurse’s lap leaning forward is a position that can be used for postural drainage in infants with cystic fibrosis. This position helps drain secretions from the upper lobes of the lungs.
Choice B rationale
The supine position (lying on the back) is also used for postural drainage to target different areas of the lungs. It is not contraindicated for infants with cystic fibrosis.
Choice C rationale
Sitting on a nurse’s lap leaning backward is another position that can be used for postural drainage. This position helps drain secretions from the lower lobes of the lungs.
Choice D rationale
The Trendelenburg position (lying flat on the back with the feet elevated higher than the head) is contraindicated for infants with cystic fibrosis. This position can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration, which can worsen respiratory symptoms.