Chapter 24 Missed Practice Questions
The nurse is conducting a staff in-service on childhood blood disorders. Which describes the pathology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura? a. Bone marrow failure in which all elements are suppressed b. Deficiency in the production rate of globin chains c. Diffuse fibrin deposition in the microvasculature d. An excessive destruction of platelets
D. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an acquired hemorrhagic disorder characterized by an excessive destruction of platelets, discolorations caused by petechiae beneath the skin, and a normal bone marrow. Aplastic anemia refers to a bone marrow-failure condition in which the formed elements of the blood are simultaneously depressed. Thalassemia major is a group of blood disorders characterized by deficiency in the production rate of specific hemoglobin globin chains. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterized by diffuse fibrin deposition in the microvasculature, consumption of coagulation factors, and endogenous generation of thrombin and plasma.
Why is meperidine (Demerol) not recommended for children in sickle cell crisis? a. May induce seizures b. Is easily addictive c. Not adequate for pain relief d. Given by intramuscular injection
A. A metabolite of meperidine, normeperidine, is a central nervous system stimulant that produces anxiety, tremors, myoclonus, and generalized seizures when it accumulates with repetitive dosing. Patients with sickle cell disease are particularly at risk for normeperidine-induced seizures. Meperidine is no more addictive than other narcotic agents. Meperidine is adequate for pain relief. It is available for IV infusion.
The nurse is caring for an 8 year old diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Which of the following is considered a standard of care? a. Intramuscular injections are avoided b. Oral steroids are given when platelet counts are elevated above 150,000 c. Strict bedrest is required when platelet counts fall below 150,000 d. Iron supplementation is a mainstay of therapy
A. Intramuscular injections are avoided due to risk of bleeding. Steroids are given when platelets are decreased but above 20,000. Below 20,000 requires infusion of IVIG. Although trauma is avoided, strict bedrest is not needed. Iton supplementation is not routine in ITP.
When both parents have sickle cell trait, which is the chance their children will have sickle cell anemia? a. 25% b. 50% c. 75% d. 100%
A. Sickle cell anemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. If both parents have sickle cell trait (one copy of the sickle cell gene), then for each pregnancy, a 25% chance exists that their child will be affected with sickle cell disease. With each pregnancy, a 50% chance exists that the child will have sickle cell trait. Percentages of 75% and 100% are too high for the children of parents who have sickle cell trait.
Parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask the nurse, "What happens to the hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia?" Which statement by the nurse explains the disease process? a. Normal adult hemoglobin is replaced by abnormal hemoglobin. b. There is a lack of cellular hemoglobin being produced. c. There is a deficiency in the production of globulin chains. d. The size and depth of the hemoglobin are affected.
A. Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of diseases collectively called hemoglobinopathies, in which normal adult hemoglobin is replaced by abnormal hemoglobin. Aplastic anemia is a lack of cellular elements being produced. Thalassemia major refers to a variety of inherited disorders characterized by deficiencies in production of certain globulin chains. Iron-deficiency anemia affects the size, depth, and color of hemoglobin.
Chelation therapy using the drug Desferal is begun on a child with Sickle Cell Disease. What is the purpose of this therapy? a. Treat the disease b. Eliminate excess iron c. Decrease risk of hypoxia d. Manage nausea and vomiting
B. A complication of the frequent blood transfusions in Sickle Cell Disease is iron overload. Chelation therapy with deferoxamine (an iron-chelating agent) is given with oral supplements of vitamin C to increase iron excretion. Chelation therapy treats the side effect of the disease management. Decreasing the risk of hypoxia and managing nausea and vomiting are not the purposes of chelation therapy.
The nurse is caring for a toddler being evaluated for anemia. Which of the following might the nurse expect to hear when obtaining the child's history? a. The child has been unusually hungry b. The child has been scratching her arms and legs c. The child recently had a growth spurt d. The child has been complaining of pain in the legs
B. The increased red blood cell breakdown seen in some types of anemia can lead to pruritis due to the presence of unconjugated bilirubin. Most children with anemia do not experience an increased appetite. The child with anemia will experience growth retardation. Pruritis is a more common complaint than pain.
The nurse has initiated a blood transfusion on a preschool child. The child begins to exhibit signs of a transfusion reaction. Place in order the interventions the nurse should implement sequencing from the highest priority to the lowest. Provide the answer using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., a, b, c, d). a. Take the vital signs. b. Stop the transfusion. c. Notify the practitioner. d. Maintain a patent IV line with normal saline.
B. A. D. C. If a blood transfusion reaction of any type is suspected, stop the transfusion, take vital signs, maintain a patent IV line with normal saline and new tubing, notify the practitioner, and do not restart the transfusion until the child's condition has been medically evaluated.
The nurse is planning care for a school-age child admitted to the hospital with hemophilia. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement for this child? (Select all that apply.) a. Finger sticks for blood work instead of venipunctures b. Avoidance of IM injections c. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain control d. Soft tooth brush for dental hygiene e. Administration of packed red blood cells
B. C. D. Nurses should take special precautions when caring for a child with hemophilia to prevent the use of procedures that may cause bleeding, such as IM injections. The subcutaneous route is substituted for IM injections whenever possible. Venipunctures for blood samples are usually preferred for these children. There is usually less bleeding after the venipuncture than after finger or heel punctures. Neither aspirin nor any aspirin-containing compound should be used. Acetaminophen is a suitable aspirin substitute, especially for controlling mild pain. A soft toothbrush is recommended for dental hygiene to prevent bleeding from the gums. Packed red blood cells are not administered. The primary therapy for hemophilia is replacement of the missing clotting factor. The products available are factor VIII concentrates.
Which should the nurse teach about prevention of sickle cell crises to parents of a preschool child with sickle cell disease? (Select all that apply.) a. Limit fluids at bedtime. b. Notify the health care provider if a fever of 38.5° C (101.3° F) or greater occurs. c. Give penicillin as prescribed. d. Use ice packs to decrease the discomfort of vasoocclusive pain in the legs. e. Notify the health care provider if your child begins to develop symptoms of a cold.
B. C. E. The most important issues to teach the family of a child with sickle cell anemia are to (1) seek early intervention for problems, such as a fever of 38.5° C (101.3° F) or greater; (2) give penicillin as ordered; (3) recognize signs and symptoms of splenic sequestration, as well as respiratory problems that can lead to hypoxia; and (4) treat the child normally. The nurse emphasizes the importance of adequate hydration to prevent sickling and to delay the adhesion-stasis-thrombosis-ischemia cycle. It is not sufficient to advise parents to "force fluids" or "encourage drinking." They need specific instructions on how many daily glasses or bottles of fluid are required. Many foods are also a source of fluid, particularly soups, flavored ice pops, ice cream, sherbet, gelatin, and puddings. Increased fluids combined with impaired kidney function result in the problem of enuresis. Parents who are unaware of this fact frequently use the usual measures to discourage bedwetting, such as limiting fluids at night. Enuresis is treated as a complication of the disease, such as joint pain or some other symptom, to alleviate parental pressure on the child. Ice should not be used during a vasoocclusive pain crisis because it vasoconstricts and impairs circulation even more.
Iron dextran is ordered for a young child with severe iron-deficiency anemia. What nursing considerations should be included? a. Administer with meals b. Administer between meals c. Inject deeply into a large muscle d. Massage injection site for 5 minutes after administration of drug
C. Iron dextran is a parenteral form of iron. When administered intramuscularly, it must be injected into a large muscle. Iron dextran is for intramuscular or intravenous (IV) administration. The site should not be massaged to prevent leakage, potential irritation, and staining of the skin.
