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
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.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restraining the client during a seizure is not recommended as it can cause injury. The focus should be on ensuring the client’s safety and preventing harm.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the client’s airway patency is crucial during a seizure to ensure that the client is breathing properly and that the airway is not obstructed.
Choice C rationale
Removing objects from the client’s bed helps prevent injury during a seizure. Objects in the bed can pose a risk of harm if the client hits them during the seizure.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in a side-lying position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. This position allows any secretions to drain out of the mouth, preventing choking.
Choice E rationale
Placing a tongue depressor in the client’s mouth is not recommended and can cause injury. It is a common misconception that this prevents the client from swallowing their tongue, but it can actually cause more harm.