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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erikson’s stage of initiative versus guilt occurs in preschool-aged children (3-5 years), not toddlers.
Choice B rationale
Imaginary playmates are more common in preschool-aged children and are not a characteristic of toddlerhood.
Choice C rationale
Demonstrations of sexual curiosity are more common in preschool-aged children and are not a characteristic of toddlerhood.
Choice D rationale
Negative behaviors characterized by the need for autonomy are typical in toddlers. This stage, according to Erikson, is autonomy versus shame and doubt, where toddlers strive for independence and self-control.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Auscultating the rate and characteristics of the child’s heart sounds is the priority assessment. Acute rheumatic fever can lead to carditis, which affects the heart valves and can cause new or changed heart murmurs.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the client’s erythematous rash is important but not the priority. The rash is a common symptom but does not indicate the severity of the condition.
Choice C rationale
Identifying the degree of parental anxiety is important for providing holistic care but is not the immediate priority in assessing the child’s physical condition.
Choice D rationale
Using a pain-rating tool to determine the severity of joint pain is important for managing symptoms but is not the priority assessment upon admission.