The nurse is caring for a patient who must undergo a splenectomy for treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for the splenectomy?
The spleen is the primary site for platelet destruction.
The spleen is at risk for infection due to the critical loss of WBCs.
Your spleen is making too many platelets.
The spleen causes an overabundance of immature platelets.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The spleen is the primary site for platelet destruction. In ITP, the spleen often sequesters and destroys platelets, leading to low platelet levels. Removing the spleen reduces platelet destruction and can help increase platelet counts in affected patients.
B. The spleen is at risk for infection due to the critical loss of WBCs. While infection risk increases after splenectomy, this is not the rationale for the procedure. The spleen does play a role in immune function, but splenectomy is indicated for reducing platelet destruction, not infection prevention.
C. Your spleen is making too many platelets. The spleen does not produce platelets; rather, it filters and sometimes destroys them, particularly in ITP. This choice does not accurately reflect the pathophysiology of ITP.
D. The spleen causes an overabundance of immature platelets. The spleen does not cause an increase in immature platelets. In ITP, platelets are destroyed, not overproduced.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Myxedema: Myxedema is associated with hypothyroidism, not multiple myeloma.
B. Pathologic fracture: Advanced multiple myeloma causes bone demineralization and osteolytic lesions, making bones fragile and increasing the risk for pathologic fractures.
C. Retinopathy: Retinopathy is commonly associated with diabetes or hypertension, not with multiple myeloma.
D. Gastrointestinal bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding is not a typical complication of multiple myeloma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Have the child eat a high-protein diet. There is no specific requirement for a high-protein diet to manage sickle cell disease. Hydration is more critical in crisis prevention.
B. Monitor the child's temperature twice per day. While monitoring for infection is essential, this is not the most important discharge instruction to prevent crises.
C. Restrict outdoor play activity. While strenuous exercise should be avoided, activity restriction is unnecessary as long as the child stays hydrated and avoids extreme conditions.
D. Encourage the child to increase his fluid intake. Increased fluid intake helps prevent sickling by reducing blood viscosity, which is essential in preventing future crises.