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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Measuring head circumference every shift is unnecessary for a 6-year-old child with bacterial meningitis. This intervention is more relevant for infants where head circumference changes can indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is necessary as bacterial meningitis can cause seizures due to increased intracranial pressure and inflammation.
Choice C rationale
Admitting the client to a private room is necessary to prevent the spread of infection, as bacterial meningitis can be highly contagious.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in a semi-Fowler’s position helps reduce intracranial pressure and promotes comfort.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the child in a knee-chest position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, which reduces the right-to-left shunt and improves oxygenation during a cyanotic spell in children with Tetralogy of Fallot.
Choice B rationale
Having the child lie supine with the head turned to one side does not help in managing a cyanotic spell and may not improve oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Lying prone does not specifically address the cyanotic spell and may not be the most effective position for improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Placing the child in a semi-Fowler’s position in an infant seat does not specifically address the cyanotic spell and may not be the most effective position for improving oxygenation.