NSG 330- Ch 33 Management Nonmalignant Hematologic Disorders

A client with pernicious anemia is receiving parenteral vitamin B12 therapy. Which client statement indicates effective teaching about this therapy?

"I will receive parenteral vitamin B12 therapy for the rest of my life." Because a client with pernicious anemia lacks intrinsic factor, oral vitamin B12 can't be absorbed. Therefore, parenteral vitamin B12 therapy is recommended and required for life.

An intensive care nurse is aware of the need to identify patients who may be at risk of developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following ICU patients most likely faces the highest risk of DIC?

A patient who is being treated for septic shock Sepsis is a common cause of DIC. A wide variety of acute illnesses can precipitate DIC, but sepsis is specifically identified as a cause

Which nursing intervention should be incorporated into the plan of care to manage the delayed clotting process due to thrombocytopenia in a client with leukemia?

Applying prolonged pressure to needle sites or other sources of external bleeding

When teaching a client with iron deficiency anemia about appropriate food choices, the nurse encourages the client to increase the dietary intake of which foods?

Beans, dried fruits, and leafy, green vegetables Food sources high in iron include organ meats (e.g., beef or calf liver, chicken liver), other meats, beans (e.g., black, pinto, and garbanzo), leafy and green vegetables, raisins, and molasses. Taking iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) enhances the absorption of iron.

Which is a symptom of hemochromatosis?

Bronzing of the skin Clients with hemochromatosis exhibit symptoms of weakness, lethargy, arthralgia, weight loss, and loss of libido early in the illness trajectory. The skin may appear hyperpigmented from melanin deposits or appear bronze in color.

A night nurse is reviewing the next days medication administration record (MAR) of a patient who has hemophilia. The nurse notes that the MAR specifies both oral and subcutaneous options for the administration of a PRN antiemetic. What is the nurses best action?

Contact the prescriber to have the subcutaneous option discontinued

The nurse is caring for a client with external bleeding. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Direct pressure

A thin client is prescribed iron dextran intramuscularly. What is most important action taken by the nurse when administering this medication?

Employs the Z-track technique When iron medications are given intramuscularly, the nurse uses the Z-track technique to avoid local pain and staining of the skin. The gluteus maximus muscle is used. The nurse avoids rubbing the site vigorously and uses a 18- or 20-gauge needle.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has sickle cell anemia and the nurses assessment reveals the possibility of substance abuse. What is the nurses most appropriate action?

Encourage the patient to seek care from a single provider for pain relief.

When assessing a client with anemia, which assessment is essential?

Health history, including menstrual history in women

A nurse is a long-term care facility is admitting a new resident who has a bleeding disorder. When planning this residents care, the nurse should include which of the following?

Implementing of a plan for fall prevention

A patient is being treated on the medical unit for a sickle cell crisis. The nurses most recent assessment reveals an oral temperature of 100.5F and a new onset of fine crackles on lung auscultation. What is the nurses most appropriate action?

Inform the primary care provider that the patient may have an infection.

The nurse is assessing a new patient with complaints of overwhelming fatigue and a sore tongue that is visibly smooth and beefy red. This patient is demonstrating signs and symptoms associated with what form of what hematologic disorder?

Megaloblastic anemia

A client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia comes to the clinic reporting of numbness and tingling in his arms and legs. What do these symptoms indicate?

Neurologic involvement In clients with pernicious anemia, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs and ataxia are the most common signs of neurologic involvement. Some affected clients lose vibratory and position senses. Jaundice, irritability, confusion, and depression are present when the disease is severe.

A client with multiple myeloma is complaining of severe pain when the nurse comes in to give a bath and change position. What is the priority intervention by the nurse?

Obtain the pain medication and delay the bath and position change until the medication reaches its peak.

A nurse is caring for a client admitted with pernicious anemia. Which set of findings should the nurse expect when assessing the client?

Pallor, tachycardia, and a sore tongue Explanation: Pallor, tachycardia, and a sore tongue are all characteristic findings in pernicious anemia. Other clinical manifestations include anorexia; weight loss; a smooth, beefy red tongue; a wide pulse pressure; palpitations; angina pectoris; weakness; fatigue; and paresthesia of the hands and feet. Bradycardia, reduced pulse pressure, weight gain, and double vision aren't characteristic findings in pernicious anemia.

Which term refers to an abnormal decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets?

Pancytopenia Pancytopenia is defined as an abnormal decrease in WBCs, RBCs, and platelets. The condition may be congenital or acquired. Anemia refers to decreased red cell mass. Leukopenia refers to a less-than-normal amount of WBCs in circulation. Thrombocytopenia refers to a lower-than-normal platelet count.

The nurse is screening donors for blood donation. Which client is an acceptable donor for blood?

Reports having a cold 1 month ago that resolved quickly Donors must meet certain requirements to be able to donate blood. A client should be in good health, such as the client who had a cold more than 1 month ago that resolved quickly. Those excluded from donating blood have a history of viral hepatitis, report a blood transfusion within 12 months, and had a dental extraction within 72 hours. The reason for exclusion is that they are at increased risk of transmitting an infectious disease.

A patient newly diagnosed with thrombocytopenia is admitted to the medical unit. After the admission assessment, the patient asks the nurse to explain the disease. What should the nurse explain to this patient?

There could be decreased production of platelets Thrombocytopenia can result from a decreased platelet production, increased platelet destruction, or increased consumption of platelets.

A client is treated for anemia. What is the nurse's best understanding about the correlation between anemia and the client's iron stores?

There is a strong correlation between iron stores and hemoglobin levels. A strong correlation exists between laboratory values that measure iron stores and hemoglobin levels. After iron stores are depleted (as reflected by low serum ferritin levels), the hemoglobin level falls.

After receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer, a client's platelet count falls to 98,000/mm3. What term should the nurse use to describe this low platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia A normal platelet count is 140,000 to 400,000/mm3 in adults. Chemotherapeutic agents produce bone marrow depression, resulting in reduced red blood cell counts (anemia), reduced white blood cell counts (leukopenia), and reduced platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Neutropenia is the presence of an abnormally reduced number of neutrophils in the blood and is caused by bone marrow depression induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

A nurse is caring for a client with thalassemia who is being transfused. What is the nurse's role during a transfusion?

To closely monitor the rate of administration In a client with thalassemia, when transfusions are necessary, the nurse closely monitors the rate of administration. Assessing for enlargement and tenderness over the liver and spleen, advising rest, or administering vitamin B12 injections are not indicated for thalassemia.

A nurse is doing a physical examination of a child with sickle cell anemia. When the child asks why the nurse auscultates the lungs and heart, what would be best the response by the nurse?

To detect the abnormal sounds suggestive of acute chest syndrome and heart failure The nurse auscultates the lungs and heart to detect abnormal sounds that indicate pneumonia, acute chest syndrome, and heart failure. The nurse assesses vital signs to detect evidence of infection, such as fever and tachycardia. During the physical examination, the nurse observes the client's appearance, looking for evidence of dehydration, which may have triggered a sickle cell crisis. The nurse assesses mental status, verbal ability, and motor strength to detect stroke-related signs and symptoms.

A patient with a recent diagnosis of ITP has asked the nurse why the care team has not chosen to administer platelets, stating, I have low platelets, so why not give me a transfusion of exactly what Im missing? How should the nurse best respond?

Transfused platelets usually arent beneficial because theyre rapidly destroyed in the body. Despite extremely low platelet counts, platelet transfusions are usually avoided. Transfusions tend to be ineffective not because the platelets are nonfunctional but because the patients antiplatelet antibodies bind with the transfused platelets, causing them to be destroyed. Matching the patients blood type is not usually necessary for a platelet transfusion. Platelet transfusions do not exacerbate low platelet production.

A nurse on a hematology/oncology floor is caring for a client with aplastic anemia. Which would not be included in the client's discharge instructions?

Use a disposable razor when shaving.

A nurse is caring for a client with thrombocytopenia. What is the best way to protect this client?

Use the smallest needle possible for injections. Because thrombocytopenia alters coagulation, it poses a high risk of bleeding

A patient with a documented history of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency has presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms including pallor, jaundice, and malaise. Which of the nurses assessment questions relates most directly to this patients hematologic disorder?

What medications have taken recently? Exacerbations of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are nearly always precipitated by medications. Blood transfusions, stress, and injury are less common triggers

The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and postmenopausal women is

bleeding. The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and postmenopausal women is bleeding from ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. Menorrhagia is the most common cause in premenopausal women. Iron malabsorption is another cause, which is seen in clients with celiac disease. Clients with chronic alcoholism often have chronic blood loss from the GI tract.

A client admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain, anemia, and bloody stools reports feeling weak and dizzy. The client has rectal pressure and needs to urinate and move their bowels. The nurse should help them:

onto the bedpan.

A client with megaloblastic anemia reports mouth and tongue soreness. What instruction will the nurse give the client regarding eating while managing the client's symptoms?

"Eat small amounts of bland, soft foods frequently." Because the client with megaloblastic anemia often reports mouth and tongue soreness, the nurse should instruct the client to eat small amounts of bland, soft foods frequently. The other answer choices do not factor in the client's mouth soreness or need for nutrition.

Parents arrive to the clinic with their young child and inform the nurse the child has just been diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The parents ask the nurse how this could have happened and which one of them is the carrier. What is the best response by the nurse?

"The child must inherit two defective genes, one from each parent." Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder. To manifest this disorder, a person must inherit two defective genes, one from each parent, in which case all the hemoglobin is inherently abnormal. If the person inherits only one gene, the person carries the sickle cell trait. The hemoglobin of those who have sickle cell trait is about 40% affected. The other distractors are incorrect due to these factors.

A complete blood count is commonly performed before a client goes into surgery. What does this test seek to identify?

Abnormally low hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels

A client with sickle cell disease informs the nurse that he is having chest pain. The nurse hears the client coughing, wheezing, and breathing rapidly. What does the nurse suspect is occurring with this client?

Acute chest syndrome One of the unique manifestations of sickle cell disease is "acute chest syndrome," a type of pneumonia triggered by decreased hemoglobin and infiltrates in the lungs. Acute chest syndrome is characterized by respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, tachypnea, and chest pain. Vaso-occlusive crisis causes decrease in tissue perfusion and predisposes the client to pneumonia but is not the present problem with this client.

Which of the following is the most common hematologic condition affecting elderly patients

Anemia with each successive decade of life, the incidence of anemia increases

A patient has been living with a diagnosis of anemia for several years and has experienced recent declines in her hemoglobin levels despite active treatment. What assessment finding would signal complications of anemia?

Ascites and peripheral edema A significant complication of anemia is heart failure from chronic diminished blood volume and the hearts compensatory effort to increase cardiac output. Patients with anemia should be assessed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, including ascites and peripheral edema. None of the other listed signs and symptoms is characteristic of heart failure.

A nurse caring for a client who has hemophilia is getting ready to take the client's vital signs. What should the nurse do before taking a blood pressure?

Ask if taking a blood pressure has ever produced bleeding under the skin or in the arm joints.

The medical nurse is aware that patients with sickle cell anemia benefit from understanding what situations can precipitate a sickle cell crisis. When teaching a patient with sickle cell anemia about strategies to prevent crises, what measures should the nurse recommend?

Avoiding cold temperatures and ensuring sufficient hydration Keeping warm and providing adequate hydration can be effective in diminishing the occurrence and severity of attacks.

A patient describes numbness in the arms and hands with a tingling sensation. The patient also frequently stumbles when walking. What vitamin deficiency does the nurse determine may cause some of these symptoms?

B12 Explanation: The hematologic effects of vitamin B12 deficiency are accompanied by effects on other organ systems, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Patients with pernicious anemia may become confused; more often, they have paresthesias in the extremities (particularly numbness and tingling in the feet and lower legs). They may have difficulty maintaining their balance because of damage to the spinal cord, and they also lose position sense (proprioception).

A woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy has been experiencing an exacerbation of iron- deficiency anemia in recent weeks. When providing the patient with nutritional guidelines and meal suggestions, what foods would be most likely to increase the womans iron stores?

Beef liver accompanied by orange juice Food sources high in iron include organ meats, other meats, beans (e.g., black, pinto, and garbanzo), leafy green vegetables, raisins, and molasses. Taking iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) enhances the absorption of iron. All of the listed foods are nutritious, but liver and orange juice are most likely to be of benefit.

Which is a symptom of Cooley anemia?

Bronzing of the skin Explanation: Clients with Cooley anemia exhibit symptoms of severe anemia and a bronzing of the skin, which is caused by hemolysis of erythrocytes. Dyspnea, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) are symptoms of pernicious anemia.

A nurse cares for older adult clients in a long-term care facility. The nurse notices that many of the clients have chronic anemia. What long-term impact does the nurse associate with this population and the presence of anemia?

Decreased cognitive function.

Place the pathophysiological processes in order for how sickle cell disease leads to fatigue.

Decreased hemoglobin in RBC Inflamed vascular endothelium Increased inflammatory cytokines Decreased muscle strength Explanation: Fatigue is common and multifactorial in sickle cell disease. Decreased hemoglobin in the sickled red blood cell leads to inflammation of the vascular endothelium and increased inflammatory cytokines. These factors lead to decreased muscle strength--exacerbating fatigue.

A patient with chronic renal failure is examined by the health care provider for anemia. Which laboratory results will the nurse monitor?

Decreased level of erythropoietin As renal function decreases, erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidney, also decreases. Because erythropoietin is produced outside the kidney, some erythropoiesis continues, even in patients whose kidneys have been removed. However, the number of red blood cells produced is small and the degree of erythropoiesis is inadequate.

An adult patient has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. What nursing diagnosis is most likely to apply to this patients health status?

Fatigue related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity Fatigue is the major assessment finding common to all forms of anemia. Anemia does not normally result in acute pain or fluid deficit. The patient may have an increased risk of infection due to impaired immune function, but fatigue is more likely

The results of a patients most recent blood work and physical assessment are suggestive of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This patient should undergo testing for which of the following potential causes? Select all that apply

Hepatitis HIV Viral illnesses have the potential to cause ITP.

Which of the following describes a red blood cell (RBC) that has pale or lighter cellular contents?

Hypochromic An RBC that has pale or lighter cellular contents is hypochromic. A normocytic RBC is normal or average in size. A microcytic RBC is smaller than normal. Hyperchromic is used to describe an RBC that has darker cellular contents.

Which iron-rich foods should a nurse encourage an anemic client requiring iron therapy to eat?

Lamb and peaches Explanation: Iron-rich foods include lamb and peaches. Shrimp, tomatoes, lobster, squash, cheese, and bananas aren't high in iron content.

A patients blood work reveals a platelet level of 17,000/mm3 . When inspecting the patients integumentary system, what finding would be most consistent with this platelet level?

Petechiae When the platelet count drops to less than 20,000/mm3 , petechiae can appear. Low platelet levels do not normally result in dermatitis, urticaria (hives), or alopecia (hair loss)

While monitoring a client for the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the nurse should take note of which assessment parameters?

Platelet count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time The diagnosis of DIC is based on the results of laboratory studies of prothrombin time, platelet count, thrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen level as well as client history and other assessment factors. Blood glucose levels, WBC count, calcium levels, and potassium levels aren't used to confirm a diagnosis of DIC.

A nurse should expect to administer which vaccine to the client after a splenectomy?

Pneumovax 23 Explanation: Pneumovax 23, a polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine, is administered prophylactically to prevent the pneumococcal sepsis that sometimes occurs after splenectomy. Recombivax HB is a vaccine for hepatitis B. Attenuvax is a live, attenuated virus vaccine for immunization against measles (rubeola). Tetanus toxoid is administered to prevent tetanus resulting from impaired skin integrity caused by traumatic injury.

A young man with a diagnosis of hemophilia A has been brought to emergency department after suffering a workplace accident resulting in bleeding. Rapid assessment has revealed the source of the patients bleeding and established that his vital signs are stable. What should be the nurses next action?

Prepare for the administration of factor VIII. (clotting factors)

Which of the following is considered an antidote to heparin?

Protamine sulfate

A pregnant woman is hospitalized as the result of sickle-cell crisis. Which finding indicates the outcome has been achieved for this client?

Reports joint pain less than 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 Explanation: An expected outcome for a client experiencing a sickle-cell crisis is control and reduction of pain. Hydroxyurea is contraindicated in pregnancy because of the risk it poses for congenital abnormalities. An indication that the client is free from infection is exhibiting a normal temperature; 100.3°F is an elevated temperature. To minimize crises, the client needs to stay warm not cool.

A patients low prothrombin time (PT) was attributed to a vitamin K deficiency and the patients PT normalized after administration of vitamin K. When performing discharge education in an effort to prevent recurrence, what should the nurse emphasize?

The need for adequate nutrition Vitamin K deficiency is often the result of a nutritional deficit.

When evaluating a patient's symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis of leukemia, the nurse is aware that all leukemias have which common feature?

Unregulated accumulation of white cells in the bone marrow, which replace normal marrow elements Explanation: The term leukemia means "white blood," which is used to describe the neoplastic proliferation of one hematopoietic cell type (granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and sometimes, erythrocytes and megakaryocytes).

The nurse should advise a client with iron deficiency anemia to take which action in order to prevent staining of the teeth?

Use a straw or place a spoon at the back of the mouth to take the liquid supplement. Explanation: For a client with iron deficiency anemia who is taking an oral iron supplement, the nurse instructs the client to use a straw or place a spoon at the back of the mouth to take the liquid supplement to avoid staining the teeth. The nurse advises the client to take iron with or immediately after meals to avoid gastric distress. The client is advised to avoid having iron simultaneously with an antacid, as the antacid will interfere with iron absorption.

A patient is admitted to the hospital with pernicious anemia. The nurse should prepare to administer which of the following medications?

Vitamin B12 Pernicious anemia is characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency.

A nurse cares for clients with hematological disorders and notes that women are diagnosed with hemochromatosis at a much lower rate than men. What is the primary reason for this?

Women lose iron through menstrual cycles Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition where excess iron is absorbed in the GI tract and deposited in various organs, making them dysfunctional. Women are often less affected than men because women lose excess iron through their menstrual cycles.

Hemophilia A is the most common of the three types of hemophilia. What is diminished in the less serious form of hemophilia A, known as von Willebrand's disease?

amount and quality of factor VIII Explanation: In a less serious form of hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease, the amount and quality of factor VIII is diminished.

A client with anemia is prescribed an oral iron supplement. Which statement indicates that teaching about this supplement has been effective?

"I will take it in the morning with orange juice." The client should be instructed to take the iron supplements on an empty stomach with a source of vitamin C such as orange juice. Iron supplements will turn the stool dark or black; this does not indicate that the supplement should be stopped. The supplement should be taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after a meal and not with a meal. The client should be instructed to increase the intake of high-fiber foods to reduce the risk of constipation.

A health care provider prescribes one tablet of ferrous sulfate daily for a 15-year-old girl who experiences heavy blood flow during her menstrual cycle. The nurse advises the patient and her parent that this over-the-counter preparation must be taken for how many months before stored iron replenishment can occur?

6 to 12 months Explanation: Ferrous sulfate can increase hemoglobin levels in a few weeks, and anemia may be corrected in a few months. However, it takes 6 to 12 months for stored iron replenishment to occur.

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is orienting a new graduate registered nurse to an oncology unit where blood product transfusions are frequently administered. In discussing ABO compatibility, the CNS presents several hypothetical scenarios. The new graduate knows that the greatest likelihood of an acute hemolytic reaction would occur when giving:

A-positive blood to an A-negative client. Explanation: An acute hemolytic reaction occurs when there is an ABO or Rh incompatibility. For example, giving A blood to a B client would cause a hemolytic reaction. Likewise, giving Rh-positive blood to an Rh-negative client would cause a hemolytic reaction. It's safe to give Rh-negative blood to an Rh-positive client if there is a blood type compatibility. O-negative blood is the universal donor and can be given to all other blood types. AB clients can receive either A or B blood as long as there isn't an Rh incompatibility.

A client is hospitalized 3 days prior to a total hip arthroplasty and reports a high level of pain with ambulation. The client has been taking warfarin at home, which is now discontinued. To prevent the formation of blood clots, which action should the nurse take?

Administer the prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox). Explanation: Clients who are prescribed warfarin at home and need to have a major invasive procedure stop taking warfarin prior to the procedure. Low molecular weight heparin, such as enoxaparin, may be used until the procedure is performed. The client will continue with a diet that has a daily consistent amount of vitamin K. The client needs to ambulate frequently throughout the day. Prothrombin (PT) time is monitored, not PTT, when warfarin had been administered.

A young female client has pale nailbeds. Her hemoglobin count is 10.2 gm/dL and her hematocrit count is 30%. She reports fatigue and states, "I'm tired all the time." The client also reports excessive menstrual flow. The nurse assesses further and determines the client's diet is balanced and provides adequate calories. The client is prescribed supplemental iron therapy. The highest nursing diagnosis is

Altered tissue perfusion related to diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood Explanation: All the nursing diagnoses are appropriate for this client who is experiencing anemia. Physiological needs take priority per Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Under physiological needs, airway, breathing, and then circulation take priority. Altered tissue perfusion would be classified under circulation, thus making it the priority over the other diagnoses listed.

A client comes to the walk-in clinic reporting weakness and fatigue. While assessing this client, the nurse finds evidence of petechiae and ecchymoses and notes that the spleen appears enlarged. What would the nurse suspect is wrong with this client?

Aplastic anemia Explanation: Clients with aplastic anemia experience all the typical characteristics of anemia (weakness and fatigue). In addition, they have frequent opportunistic infections plus coagulation abnormalities that are manifested by unusual bleeding, small skin hemorrhages called petechiae, and ecchymoses (bruises). The spleen becomes enlarged with an accumulation of the client's blood cells destroyed by lymphocytes that failed to recognize them as normal cells, or with an accumulation of dead transfused blood cells. The blood cell count shows insufficient numbers of blood cells. A bone marrow aspiration confirms that the production of stem cells is suppressed. This scenario does not describe a client with pernicious anemia, iron deficiency anemia, or agranulocytosis.

A client in end-stage renal disease is prescribed epoetin alfa and oral iron supplements. Before administering the next dose of epoetin alfa and oral iron supplement, what is the priority action taken by the nurse?

Assesses the hemoglobin level Explanation: Erythropoietin (epoetin alfa [Epogen]) with oral iron supplements can raise hematocrit levels in the client with end-stage renal disease. The nurse should check the hemoglobin prior to administration of erythropoietin, because too high a hemoglobin level can put the client at risk for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident. Erythropoietin may be administered during dialysis treatments. The BUN will be elevated in the client with end-stage renal disease.

The client has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome with an absolute neutrophil count less than 1000/mm³ and is being admitted to the hospital. The nurse

Assigns the client to a private room Explanation: The client with an absolute neutrophil count less than 1000/mm³ is to be placed in a private room. Staff with a sore throat or cold should not be assigned to provide care for this client. The client does not need to be placed in isolation, but other neutropenic precautions need to be followed, such as allowing no visitors with infection. Water in oxygen humidifiers should be changed every 24 hours.

A nurse cares for a client with anemia requiring nutritional supplementation. Which nursing intervention best promotes client adherence with the prescribed therapy?

Assist the client to incorporate the therapeutic regimen into daily activities. Explanation: The best way for the nurse to promote adherence to the therapeutic regimen is to assist the client to incorporate the therapeutic regimen into daily activities. This action is the only answer choice that is a collaborative effort with the client and is the reason it is correct.

Which of the following are assessment findings associated with thrombocytopenia? Select all that apply.

Bleeding gums Epistaxis Hematemesis Explanation: Pertinent findings of thrombocytopenia include: bleeding gums, epistaxis, hematemesis, hypotension, and tachypnea.

A client with multiple myeloma reports pain along the spinal column. The client is prescribed naproxen (Aleve) and oxycodone. Prior to administering these medications, the nurse

Checks the client's BUN and creatinine Explanation: Naproxen may cause renal dysfunction. It will be important to check and monitor the BUN and creatinine levels, which are indicators of renal function. Because of the disease, the client is not to lift more than 10 pounds and is to use correct body mechanics, by bending with the knees and not bending with the back. Both naproxen and oxycodone may be prescribed for bone pain for a client who has multiple myeloma.

A nurse working with clients diagnosed with sickle cell disease notices that sickle cell crisis cases increase in the winter months. What is the primary pathophysiological reason for this?

Colder temperatures slows the blood flow. Explanation: Colder temperatures lead to vasoconstriction, which slows the blood flow. Colder temperatures do not worsen sickling or impair oxygen uptake. Vasoconstriction does increase vessel pressures but the vessel pressures are not the reason that sickle cell crisis increases with colder temperatures.

You are caring for a 13-year-old diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. The client asks you what they can do to help prevent sickle cell crisis. What would be an appropriate answer to this client?

Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Explanation: During the physical examination, observe the client's appearance, looking for evidence of dehydration, which may have triggered a sickle cell crisis. Clients are taught moderation, not avoidance of activities. Most clients with sickle cell disease are not on oxygen therapy 24/7.

The nurse is preparing to educate a group of students on the signs and symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The nurse knows that teaching was effective when the students are able to recognize which symptom as being associated with DIC? Select all that apply.

Headache Tachypnea Abdominal distention Explanation: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a systemic syndrome that is characterized by microthromboses and bleeding. Symptoms can be linked to either microvascular thrombosis or microvascular bleeding. Findings associated with microvascular bleeding include a headache, tachypnea, and abdominal distention. Symptoms of microvascular thrombosis include cyanotic extremities, and a capillary refill greater than 3 seconds.

A client with severe anemia reports symptoms of tachycardia, palpitations, exertional dyspnea, cool extremities, and dizziness with ambulation. Laboratory test results reveal low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Based on the assessment data, which nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for this client?

Ineffective tissue perfusion related to inadequate hemoglobin and hematocrit Explanation: The symptoms indicate impaired tissue perfusion due to a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Cardiac status should be carefully assessed. When the hemoglobin level is low, the heart attempts to compensate by pumping faster and harder in an effort to deliver more blood to hypoxic tissue. This increased cardiac workload can result in such symptoms as tachycardia, palpitations, dyspnea, dizziness, orthopnea, and exertional dyspnea. Heart failure may eventually develop, as evidenced by an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and liver (hepatomegaly) and by peripheral edema.

A client is receiving chemotherapy for cancer. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory report and notes that he has thrombocytopenia. To which nursing diagnosis should the nurse give the highest priority?

Ineffective tissue perfusion: Cerebral, cardiopulmonary, GI Explanation: These are all appropriate nursing diagnoses for the client with thrombocytopenia. However, the risk of cerebral and GI hemorrhage and hypotension pose the greatest risk to the physiological integrity of the client.

While assessing a client, the nurse discovers the client has a history of restless leg syndrome. Which hematological condition does the nurse associate with this condition?

Iron deficiency anemia Explanation: Restless leg syndrome is common in as many as 24% of those with iron deficiency anemia.

A patients absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is 440/mm3 . But the nurses assessment reveals no apparent signs or symptoms of infection. What action should the nurse prioritize when providing care for this patient?

Meticulous hand hygiene

The nurse monitors the laboratory data for several clients who are diagnosed with hypoproliferative anemias. For each laboratory data, click to specify if the finding indicates microcytic anemia or megaloblastic anemia.

Microcytic Anemia decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased reticulocytes increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) Megaloblastic Anemia increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased vitamin B12 decreased folate Explanation: There are three basic types of anemia: hypoproliferative, bleeding, and hemolytic. Each type of anemia presents differently in regard to laboratory data that is expected. The client who is diagnosed with microcytic anemia will have the following laboratory data: decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV), decreased reticulocytes, and decreased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). The client who is diagnosed with a megaloblastic anemia (e.g., vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies) will have the following laboratory data: increased MCV and decreases in either serum vitamin B12 or folate levels. Microcytic anemias do not present with the following laboratory data: increased MCV and deficiencies in both vitamin B12 and folate levels. Megaloblastic anemias do not present with the following laboratory data: decreased MCV, decreased reticulocytes, and increased TBIC.

A nurse is planning the care of a patient who has a diagnosis of hemophilia A. When addressing the nursing diagnosis of Acute Pain Related to Joint Hemorrhage, what principle should guide the nurses choice of interventions?

NSAIDs are contraindicated due to the risk for bleeding.

The nurse provides care for an older adult client, diagnosed with anemia, who has a hemoglobin of 9.6 g/dL and a hematocrit of 34%. To determine the cause of the client's blood loss, which is the priority nursing action?

Observe the client's stools for blood. Explanation: If an older adult is anemic, blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) tracts is suspected. Observing the stool for blood will determine if the source of the client's bleeding is in the GI tract. Iron-deficiency anemia is unusual in older adults because the body does not eliminate excessive iron, thus increasing total body iron stores and necessitating maintenance of hydration. If evaluation of the GI and GU tracts does not reveal a source of bleeding, evaluating the client's diet may be appropriate; however, this is not the priority nursing action. Monitoring the client's body temperature and BP will assist the nurse in determining the source of the client's blood loss, but these are not priority nursing actions.

A nurse is caring for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which food or beverage will the nurse suggest to the client to eat or drink when taking supplemental iron?

Orange juice Explanation: Vitamin C found in orange juice improves the absorption of iron. The other answer choices are not the best for improving absorption of iron.

A client diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus comes to the emergency department with severe back pain. The client is taking prednisone daily and reported feeling pain after manually opening the garage door. What adverse effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy is most likely responsible for the pain?

Osteoporosis Explanation: Hypertension, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and truncal obesity are all adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy; however, osteoporosis commonly causes compression fractures of the spine. Hypertension, muscle wasting, and truncal obesity aren't likely to cause severe back pain.

The nurse's role in the management of polycythemia vera is primarily that of an educator. Choose the best health promotion advice that a nurse could give.

Participate in regular phlebotomy procedures to decrease blood viscosity. Explanation: Phlebotomy is a critical part of therapy and the only treatment that has demonstrated improved survival. Aspirin should be avoided, and antiplatelet therapy should be used with caution due to the risk of bleeding. Compression stockings are not necessary for walking but should be used for airplane travel.

A patient had gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago and now, experiencing fatigue, visits the clinic to determine the cause. The patient takes pantoprazole for the treatment of frequent heartburn. What type of anemia is this patient at risk for?

Pernicious anemia Explanation: A deficiency of vitamin B 12 can occur in several ways. Inadequate dietary intake is rare but can develop in strict vegans (who consume no meat or dairy products). Faulty absorption from the GI tract is a more common cause. This occurs in conditions such as Crohn's disease, or after ileal resection or gastrectomy.

A client at the clinic has just been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. What would you recommend the client consume to promote the absorption of iron?

Rich sources of vitamin C Explanation: Sources of vitamin C such as citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, green peppers, and tomatoes enhance the absorption of nonheme iron. To maximize nonheme iron absorption, the client should consume a rich source of vitamin C at every meal. Meat, egg yolks, oysters, and shellfish are the sources of heme iron whose absorption is influenced by body need. Vitamin E and sources of vitamin B12 do not promote the absorption of iron.

The nurse is preparing the patient for a test to determine the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. The patient will receive a small oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12 followed by a large parenteral dose of nonradioactive vitamin B12. What test is the patient being prepared for?

Schilling test Explanation: The classic method of determining the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is the Schilling test, in which the patient receives a small oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12, followed in a few hours by a large, nonradioactive parenteral dose of vitamin B12 (this aids in renal excretion of the radioactive dose).

Which type of hemolytic anemia is categorized as inherited disorder?

Sickle cell anemia Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an inherited abnormality resulting in hemolytic anemia. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an acquired anemia. Cold agglutinin disease is an acquired anemia. Hypersplenism results in an acquired hemolytic anemia.

A critical care nurse is caring for a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The patient is not responding to conservative treatments, and his condition is now becoming life threatening. The nurse is aware that a treatment option in this case may include what?

Splenectomy A splenectomy may be the course of treatment if autoimmune hemolytic anemia does not respond to conservative treatment. Vitamin K administration is treatment for vitamin K deficiency and does not resolve anemia. Platelet transfusion may be the course of treatment for some bleeding disorders

12. A nurse is admitting a patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura to the unit. In completing the admission assessment, the nurse must be alert for what medications that potentially alter platelet function? Select all that apply.

Sulfa-containing medications Aspirin-based drugs NSAIDs

An older adult client who is a vegetarian has a hemoglobin of 10.2 gm/dL, vitamin B12 of 68 pg/mL (normal: 200-900 pg/mL), and MCV of 110 cubic micrometers. After interpreting the data, what instruction should the nurse give to the client?

Supplement the diet with vitamin B12. Explanation: Data support that the client is experiencing megaloblastic anemia. Findings include the laboratory test results, the client's older age, and the client's status as a vegetarian. Many vegetarians need to supplement their diet with vitamin B12. Eating more foods with vitamin B12 will not provide enough of this vitamin for the client's body. Increasing iron sources will not resolve the client's anemia. Telling the client to discontinue the vegetarian practice and eat red meat is nontherapeutic.

A client with chronic anemia has received multiple transfusions. Which client action would the nurse be concerned about relative to the client's condition?

Takes over-the-counter iron supplements Explanation: When a client receives multiple transfusions and takes iron supplements, there may be a problem with iron overload. It is recommended that clients who are experiencing anemia either avoid or limit alcohol due to interference of alcohol with utilization of essential nutrients. The typical U.S. diet includes 60 grams of protein daily. Clients may be prescribed multivitamins.

A patient with a pulmonary embolism is being treated with a heparin infusion. What diagnostic finding suggests to the nurse that treatment is effective?

The patients activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. The therapeutic effect of heparin is monitored by serial measurements of the aPTT; the dose is adjusted to maintain the range at 1.5 to 2.5 times the laboratory control.

A client is seen in the emergency department with severe pain related to a sickle cell crisis. What does the nurse understand is occurring with this client?

Vascular occlusion in small vessels decreasing blood and oxygen to the tissues. Explanation: The person with sickle cell disease repeatedly suffers from two major problems: (1) episodes of sickle cell crisis from vascular occlusion, which develops rapidly under hypoxic conditions, and (2) chronic hemolytic anemia. During a sickle cell crisis, the sickle-shaped cells lodge in small blood vessels, where they block the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected tissue. The vascular occlusion induces severe pain in the ischemic tissue. The client may have increased tolerance for pain due to the chronic nature of the illness. Bone marrow increases the erythrocyte production. Underhydration increases the client's risk of developing a vaso-occlusive crisis.

The nurse is caring for a client with type 2 diabetes who take metformin to manage glucose levels. The nurse recognizes the client may be most at risk for which vitamin deficiency?

Vitamin B12 The medication metformin (Glucophage) increases the client's risk for developing B12 deficiency because the medication inhibits the absorption of B12.

A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation has contacted the clinic saying that she has accidentally overdosed on her prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should recognize the possible need for what antidote?

Vitamin K

A young client is diagnosed with a mild form of hemophilia and is experiencing bleeding in the joints with pain. In preparing the client for discharge, what instructions should the nurse provide?

Wear a medical identification bracelet. Explanation: Clients with hemophilia should wear a medical identification bracelet about having this disease. Ibuprofen interferes with platelet aggregation and may increase the client's bleeding. A warm bath may lessen pain but increase bleeding. Genetic testing and counseling are not necessary for male clients, because females are the carriers of the genetic material for hemophilia.

A client has pernicious anemia and has been receiving treatment for several years. Which symptom may be confused with another condition in older adults?

dementia Explanation: Pernicious anemia may be accompanied by a dementia with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, clients experiencing cognitive changes should be screened because early detection of pernicious anemia is critical to prevent neurologic damage.

An client has pernicious anemia and has been receiving treatment for several years. What is the client lacking that results in pernicious anemia?

intrinsic factor Explanation: Pernicious anemia develops when a client lacks intrinsic factor, which normally is present in stomach secretions. Intrinsic factor is necessary for absorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12, the extrinsic factor in blood, is required for the maturation of erythrocytes.

A client's family member asks the nurse why disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs. Which statement by the nurse correctly explains the cause of DIC?

"DIC is caused by abnormal activation of the clotting pathway, causing excessive amounts of tiny clots to form inside organs." The inflammatory response initiates the process of inflammation and coagulation. The natural anticoagulant pathways within the body are simultaneously impaired, and the fibrinolytic system is suppressed, allowing a massive amount of tiny clots forms in the microcirculation. As the platelets and clotting factors form microthrombi, coagulation fails. Thus, the paradoxical result of excessive clotting is bleeding. Decline in organ function is usually a result of excessive clot formation (with resultant ischemia to all or part of the organ).

A female client with the beta-thalassemia trait plans to marry a man of Italian ancestry who also has the trait. Which client statement indicates that she understands the teaching provided by the nurse?

"I'll see a genetic counselor before starting a family." Two people with the beta-thalassemia trait have a 25% chance of having a child with thalassemia major, a potentially life-threatening disease. Iron supplements aren't used to treat thalassemia; in fact, they could contribute to iron overload. Vitamin B<!sub>12!sub> injections are used to treat pernicious anemia, not thalassemia. Thalassemia occurs primarily in people of Italian, Greek, African, Asian, Middle Eastern, East Indian, and Caribbean descent.

A patient with renal failure has decreased erythropoietin production. Upon analysis of the patients complete blood count, the nurse will expect which of the following results?

A decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit The decreased production of erythropoietin will result in a decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit. The patient will have normal MCV and RDW because the erythrocytes are normal in appearance.

A group of nurses are learning about the high incidence and prevalence of anemia among different populations. Which of the following individuals is most likely to have anemia?

An 81-year-old woman who has chronic heart failure The incidence and prevalence of anemia are exceptionally high among older adults, and the risk of anemia is compounded by the presence of heart disease. None of the other listed individuals exhibits high-risk factors for anemia, though exceptionally heavy menstrual flow can result in anemia

A client with several chronic health problems has been newly diagnosed with a qualitative platelet defect. What component of the patients previous medication regimen may have contributed to the development of this disorder?

Aspirin Aspirin may induce a platelet disorder. Even small amounts of aspirin reduce normal platelet aggregation, and the prolonged bleeding time lasts for several days after aspirin ingestion

A patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has developed anemia. What laboratory finding does the nurse understand to be significant in this stage of anemia?

Creatinine level of 6 mg/100 mL The degree of anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease varies greatly; however, in general, patients do not become significantly anemic until the serum creatinine level exceeds 3 mg/100 mL.

The nurse is instructing a client about taking a liquid iron preparation for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. What should the nurse include in the instructions?

Dilute the liquid preparation with another liquid such as juice and drink with a straw. Dilute liquid preparations of iron with another liquid such as juice and drink with a straw to avoid staining the teeth. Avoid taking iron simultaneously with an antacid, which interferes with iron absorption. Drink orange juice or take other forms of vitamin C with iron to promote its absorption. Expect iron to color stool dark green or black.

The nurse observes the laboratory studies for a client in the hospital with fatigue, feeling cold all of the time, and hemoglobin of 8.6 g/dL and a hematocrit of 28%. What finding would be an indicator of iron-deficiency anemia?

Erythrocytes that are microcytic and hypochromic A blood smear reveals erythrocytes that are microcytic (smaller than normal) and hypochromic (lighter in color than normal). It does not reveal macrocytic (larger than normal) or hyperchromic erythrocytes. Clustering of platelets with sickled red blood cells would indicate sickle cell anemia. An increase in the number of erythrocytes would indicate polycythemia vera.

A client who is diagnosed multiple myeloma experiences decreased production of red blood cells (RBCs). Which prescribed medication should the nurse prepare to administer to increase the production of erythrocytes?

Erythropoietin The medication erythropoietin can be used to stimulate the production of red blood cells; therefore, this is the prescribed medication that the nurse prepares to administer to the client. Filgrastim and pegfilgrastim promote proliferation of neutrophils, not erythrocytes. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that is prescribed for clients who are diagnosed with multiple myeloma to inhibit the inflammatory immune response.

A patient with End Stage Kidney Disease is taking recombinant erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia. What laboratory study does the nurse understand will have to be assessed at least monthly related to this medication?

Hemoglobin level When using recombinant erythropoietin, the hemoglobin must be checked at least monthly (more frequently until a maintenance dose is established) and the dose titrated to ensure the hemoglobin level does not exceed 12 g/dL.

A nurse provides nutritional information for a patient diagnosed with an iron-deficiency anemia. What education should the nurse provide?

Increase the intake of green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, collard and beet greens contain between 2.5-6.4 mg of iron per cooked cup. Clients should be encouraged to consume more green, leafy vegetables. Red meats, especially organ meats, are iron-rich foods and the client should not be discouraged from eating them. Vitamin C sources (citrus fruit and juices) enhance the absorption of iron, which should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

The nurse on the pediatric unit is caring for a 10-year-old boy with a diagnosis of hemophilia. The nurse knows that a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with hemophilia is what?

Ineffective coping Most patients with hemophilia are diagnosed as children. They often require assistance in coping with the condition because it is chronic, places restrictions on their lives, and is an inherited disorder that can be passed to future generations. Children with hemophilia are not at risk of hypothermia, diarrhea, or imbalanced nutrition.

A nurse is planning the care of a patient with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease who has been admitted for the treatment of an acute vaso-occlusive crisis. What nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize in the patients plan of care?

Ineffective tissue perfusion related to thrombosis There are multiple potential complications of sickle cell disease and sickle cell crises. Central among these, however, is the risk of thrombosis and consequent lack of tissue perfusion. Sickle cell crises are not normally accompanied by impaired thermoregulation or genitourinary complications. Risk for disuse syndrome is not associated with the effects of acute vaso-occlusive crisis.

The nurse, caring for a client in the emergency room with a severe nosebleed, becomes concerned when the client asks for a bedpan. The nurse documents the stool as loose, tarry, and black looking. The nurse suspects the client may have thrombocytopenia. What should be the nurse's priority action?

Notify the physician Thrombocytopenia is evidenced by purpura, small hemorrhages in the skin, mucous membranes, or subcutaneous tissues. Bleeding from other parts of the body, such as the nose, oral mucous membrane, and the gastrointestinal tract, also occurs. Internal hemorrhage, which can be severe and even fatal, is possible. This nurse should notify the physician of the suspected disorder.

A patient with a history of cirrhosis is admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices; an attempt to stop the bleeding has been only partially successful. What would the critical care nurse expect the care team to order for this patient?

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) Patients with liver dysfunction may have life-threatening hemorrhage from peptic ulcers or esophageal varices. In these cases, replacement with fresh frozen plasma, PRBCs, and platelets is usually required. Vitamin K may be ordered once the bleeding is stopped, but that is not what is needed to stop the bleeding of the varices. Anticoagulants would exacerbate the patients bleeding.

A patient with Von Willebrand disease (vWD) has experienced recent changes in bowel function that suggest the need for a screening colonoscopy. What intervention should be performed in anticipation of this procedure?

The patient should be given necessary clotting factors before the procedure. A goal of treating vWD is to replace the deficient protein (e.g., vWF or factor VIII) prior to an invasive procedure to prevent subsequent bleeding. Bowel cleansing is not contraindicated and FFP does not reduce the patients risk of bleeding. There may or may not be a need for preprocedure hospital admission

A client has a history of sickle cell anemia with several sickle cell crises over the past 10 years. What blood component results in sickle cell anemia?

hemoglobin S Hemoglobin A (HbA) normally replaces fetal hemoglobin (HbF) about 6 months after birth. In people with sickle cell anemia, however, an abnormal form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S (HbS), replaces HbF. HbS causes RBCs to assume a sickled shape under hypoxic conditions.

A patient with chronic anemia has had many blood transfusions over the last 3 years. What type of transfusion reaction should the nurse monitor for that is commonly found in patients who frequently receive blood transfusions?

Febrile nonhemolytic reactions Explanation: A febrile nonhemolytic reaction is caused by antibodies to donor leukocytes that remain in the unit of blood or blood component; it is the most common type of transfusion reaction. It occurs more frequently in patients who have had previous transfusions (exposure to multiple antigens from previous blood products) and in Rh-negative women who have borne Rh-positive children (exposure to an Rh-positive fetus raises antibody levels in the untreated mother).

A client was admitted to the hospital with the following laboratory values: hemoglobin 5 g/dL, leukocyte count 2000/mm3, and a platelet count of 48,000/mm3; abnormally shaped erythrocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils were seen. The platelets appear abnormally large. A bone marrow biopsy was competed and revealed hyperplasia. Based on this information, the nurse determines that client most likely has which diagnosis?

Folic acid deficiency Anemia caused by a deficiency of folic acid cause bone marrow and peripheral blood changes. The erythrocytes that are produced are abnormally large and are called megaloblastic red cells. Other cells derived from the myeloid stem cell are also abnormal. A bone marrow analysis reveals hyperplasia (abnormal increase in the number of cells). Pancytopenia (a decrease in all myeloid stem cell-derived cells) can develop. In advanced stages of disease, the hemoglobin value may be as low as 4-5 g/dL, the leukocyte count 2,000-3,000/mm3, and the platelet count less than 50,000/mm3. Cells that are released into the circulation are often abnormally shaped. The neutrophils are hypersegmented. The platelets may be abnormally large. The erythrocytes are abnormally shaped.

A patient has been diagnosed with thrombocytopenia. What are the primary nursing interventions while instituting corticosteroid therapy in this patient?

Gradually taper the dose and frequency of medication. For a patient with thrombocytopenia, he or she gradually tapers the dose and frequency of steroid medication before discontinuing it to avoid adrenal insufficiency or crisis. Eliminating aspirin and NSAIDS will help manage bleeding tendencies. Assessment of the extremities, tonsils, or the lymph nodes is part of a physical examination of a patient and not applicable to corticosteroid therapy.

A patient, 25 years of age, comes to the emergency department complaining of excessive bleeding from a cut sustained when cleaning a knife. Blood work shows a prolonged PT but a vitamin K deficiency is ruled out. When assessing the patient, areas of ecchymosis are noted on other areas of the body. Which of the following is the most plausible cause of the patients signs and symptoms?

Hepatic dysfunction Prolongation of the PT, unless it is caused by vitamin K deficiency, may indicate severe hepatic dysfunction. The majority of hemophiliacs are diagnosed as children. T

A client with sickle cell crisis is admitted to the hospital in severe pain. While caring for the client during the crisis, which is the priority nursing intervention?

Administering and evaluating the effectiveness of opioid analgesics The priority nursing intervention is to manage the acute pain. Client-controlled analgesia is frequently used in the acute care setting. A patient with sickle cell crisis experiences severe extreme pain, the use of IV fluids and oral intake is need to hydrate the patient, the patient is initially placed on bed rest during the crisis due to extreme fatigue. The patient must continue to ingest folic acid and are placed on a daily folic acid supplement

A patient is taking prednisone 60 mg per day for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease. The patient has developed lymphopenia with a lymphocyte count of less than 1,500 mm3. What should the nurse monitor the client for?

The onset of a bacterial infection Lymphopenia (a lymphocyte count less than 1,500/mm3) can result from ionizing radiation, long-term use of corticosteroids, uremia, infections (particularly viral infections), some neoplasms (e.g., breast and lung cancers, advanced Hodgkin disease), and some protein-losing enteropathies (in which the lymphocytes within the intestines are lost) (Kipps, 2010). When lymphopenia is mild, it is often without sequelae; when severe, it can result in bacterial infections (due to low B lymphocytes) or in opportunistic infections (due to low T lymphocytes).

The nurse is planning care for a client with severe fatigue secondary to anemia. What concept will the nurse use as the basis for planning interventions?

Assisting in prioritizing activities.

A nurse is providing discharge education to a patient who has recently been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. What topic should the nurse prioritize when teaching this patient?

Avoiding activities that carry a risk for injury

A client reports feeling tired, cold, and short of breath at times. Assessment reveals tachycardia and reduced energy. What would the nurse expect the physician to order?

CBC Most clients with iron-deficiency anemia have reduced energy, feel cold all the time, and experience fatigue and dyspnea with minor physical exertion. The heart rate usually is rapid even at rest. The CBC and hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum iron levels are decreased. A CBC would be ordered.

A patient is being treated for DIC and the nurse has prioritized the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume Related to Bleeding. How can the nurse best determine if goals of care relating to this diagnosis are being met?

Closely monitor intake and output. The patient with DIC is at a high risk of deficient fluid volume. The nurse can best gauge the effectiveness of care by closely monitoring the patients intake and output. Each of the other assessments is a necessary element of care, but none addresses fluid balance as directly as close monitoring of intake and output.

A patient comes into the clinic complaining of fatigue. Blood work shows an increased bilirubin concentration and an increased reticulocyte count. What would the nurse suspect the patient has?

A hemolytic anemia In hemolytic anemias, premature destruction of erythrocytes results in the liberation of hemoglobin from the erythrocytes into the plasma; the released hemoglobin is converted in large part to bilirubin, and therefore the bilirubin concentration rises. The increased erythrocyte destruction leads to tissue hypoxia, which in turn stimulates erythropoietin production. This increased production is reflected in an increased reticulocyte count as the bone marrow responds to the loss of erythrocytes. Hypoproliferative anemias, leukemia, and thrombocytopenia lack this pathology and presentation.

A client in end-stage renal disease is prescribed epoetin alfa and oral iron supplements. Before administering the next dose of epoetin alfa and oral iron supplement, what is the priority action taken by the nurse?

Assesses the hemoglobin level Erythropoietin (epoetin alfa [Epogen]) with oral iron supplements can raise hematocrit levels in the client with end-stage renal disease. The nurse should check the hemoglobin prior to administration of erythropoietin, because too high a hemoglobin level can put the client at risk for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident.

A client with anemia has been admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which assessment findings are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia?

Dyspnea, tachycardia, and pallor Signs of iron deficiency anemia include dyspnea, tachycardia, and pallor, as well as fatigue, listlessness, irritability, and headache.

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of fatigue and the health interview is suggestive of pica. Laboratory findings reveal a low serum iron level and a low ferritin level. With what would the nurse suspect that the patient will be diagnosed?

Iron deficiency anemia A low serum iron level, a low ferritin level, and symptoms of pica are associated with iron deficiency anemia. TIBC may also be elevated.

A nurse is providing education to a patient with iron deficiency anemia who has been prescribed iron supplements. What should the nurse include in health education?

Iron will cause the stools to darken in color The nurse will inform the patient that iron will cause the stools to become dark in color. Iron should be taken on an empty stomach, as its absorption is affected by food, especially dairy products. Patients should be instructed to increase their intake of vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Foods high in fiber should be consumed to minimize problems with constipation, a common side effect associated with iron therapy

The nurse is performing an assessment for a client with anemia admitted to the hospital to have blood transfusions administered. Why would the nurse need to include a nutritional assessment for this patient?

It may indicate deficiencies in essential nutrients. A nutritional assessment is important, because it may indicate deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate.

During the review of morning laboratory values for a client reporting severe fatigue and a red, swollen tongue, the nurse suspects chronic, severe iron deficiency anemia based on which finding?

Low ferritin level concentration The most consistent indicator of iron deficiency anemia is a low ferritin level, which reflects low iron stores. As the anemia progresses, the MCV, which measures the size of the erythrocytes, also decreases. Hematocrit and RBC levels are also low in relation to the hemoglobin concentration.

A nurse is caring for a patient with severe anemia. The patient is tachycardic and complains of dizziness and exertional dyspnea. The nurse knows that in an effort to deliver more blood to hypoxic tissue, the workload on the heart is increased. What signs and symptoms might develop if this patient goes into heart failure?

Peripheral edema Cardiac status should be carefully assessed in patients with anemia. When the hemoglobin level is low, the heart attempts to compensate by pumping faster and harder in an effort to deliver more blood to hypoxic tissue. This increased cardiac workload can result in such symptoms as tachycardia, palpitations, dyspnea, dizziness, orthopnea, and exertional dyspnea. Heart failure may eventually develop, as evidenced by an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) and liver (hepatomegaly), and by peripheral edema. Nausea, migraine, and fever are not associated with heart failure.

The nurse is educating a client about iron supplements. The nurse teaches that what vitamin enhances the absorption of iron?

Vitamin C Vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron. Therefore, iron supplements should be taken with a glass of orange juice or a vitamin C tablet to maximize absorption.

The nurse is educating a patient with iron deficiency anemia about food sources high in iron and how to enhance the absorption of iron when eating these foods. What can the nurse inform the client would enhance the absorption?

Eating calf's liver with a glass of orange juice Food sources high in iron include organ meats (e.g., beef or calf's liver, chicken liver), other meats, beans (e.g., black, pinto, and garbanzo), leafy green vegetables, raisins, and molasses. Taking iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) enhances the absorption of iron.

A patient with poorly controlled diabetes has developed end-stage renal failure and consequent anemia. When reviewing this patients treatment plan, the nurse should anticipate the use of what drug?

Epoetin alfa The availability of recombinant erythropoietin (epoetin alfa [Epogen, Procrit], darbepoetin alfa [Aranesp]) has dramatically altered the management of anemia in end-stage renal disease

A few minutes after beginning a blood transfusion, a nurse notes that a client has chills, dyspnea, and urticaria. The nurse reports this to the health care provider immediately because the client probably is experiencing which problem?

A hemolytic allergic reaction caused by an antigen reaction Hemolytic allergic reactions are fairly common and may cause chills, fever, urticaria, tachycardia, dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, and other signs of anaphylaxis a few minutes after blood transfusion begins. Although rare, a hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood can occur, triggering a more severe reaction and, possibly, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation. A hemolytic reaction to Rh-incompatible blood is less severe and occurs several days to 2 weeks after the transfusion. Bacterial contamination of donor blood causes a high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and, possibly, shock.

The nurse observes a co-worker who always seems to be eating a cup of ice. The nurse encourages the co-worker to have an examination and diagnostic workup with the health care provider. What type of anemia is the nurse concerned the co-worker may have?

Iron deficiency anemia People with iron deficiency anemia may crave ice, starch, or dirt; this craving is known as pica.

A patients electronic health record notes that he has previously undergone treatment for secondary polycythemia. How should this aspect of the patients history guide the nurses subsequent assessment?

The nurse should assess for evidence of lung disease. Any reduction in oxygenation, such as lung disease, can cause secondary polycythemia. Blood donation does not precipitate this problem and impaired renal function typically causes anemia, not polycythemia. A history of VTE is not a likely contributor