The nurse is triaging several patients in an urgent care center. One patient states that he has hemophilia and is bleeding, with no apparent signs of bleeding. Which priority action by the nurse is most appropriate at this time?
Have the patient take a number and stay in the waiting area.
Place the patient in an examination room immediately and notify the physician of a potential bleeding crisis.
Send the patient for routine x-rays to locate the source of bleeding and place him in an examination room.
Palpate the suspected area of bleeding for tenderness and edema.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Have the patient take a number and stay in the waiting area. Delaying care could lead to worsening of a potentially life-threatening bleeding episode. Hemophilia patients should be assessed promptly.
B. Place the patient in an examination room immediately and notify the physician of a potential bleeding crisis. Hemophilia patients are at risk of internal bleeding, which may not always be visible externally. Rapid assessment is essential to prevent complications from internal bleeding.
C. Send the patient for routine x-rays to locate the source of bleeding and place him in an examination room. X-rays may not immediately detect bleeding in soft tissues. The physician should evaluate the patient first.
D. Palpate the suspected area of bleeding for tenderness and edema. Palpating could worsen bleeding or cause pain, and the nurse should focus on ensuring the patient is seen promptly by the physician.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Initiate a 2 L/day fluid restriction: Hydration is crucial in sickle cell crisis to prevent further sickling and reduce blood viscosity. A fluid restriction would worsen the crisis.
B. Assist with administering a blood transfusion: Blood transfusions are commonly given during sickle cell crisis to manage anemia and reduce the concentration of sickled cells, which can improve oxygen delivery and relieve pain.
C. Withhold opioids to avoid dependence: Pain management, including opioids if needed, is essential during a sickle cell crisis. The risk of dependence is secondary to controlling acute pain.
D. Encourage exercise: Rest is recommended during a crisis to reduce oxygen demand and prevent further sickling. Exercise would increase oxygen needs, worsening the crisis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs." Aplastic anemia is characterized by the failure of bone marrow to produce adequate red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells, and platelets. This results in pancytopenia, which increases the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.
B. "Aplastic anemia is directly related to impaired liver function." Aplastic anemia is not related to liver function; it originates from the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient blood cells.
C. "Aplastic anemia is associated with the decreased intake of iron." Aplastic anemia is not caused by iron deficiency; it is primarily due to bone marrow failure. Iron deficiency anemia, on the other hand, results from a lack of iron intake or absorption.
D. "Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction." Increased RBC destruction is characteristic of hemolytic anemia, not aplastic anemia.