Chapter 46 - Nursing Care of the Child With an Alteration in Cellular Regulation

25. An adolescent weighing 55 kg is admitted to the hospital experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Intravenous fluid therapy as well as increased oral fluids are ordered as part of his treatment plan. Based on the understanding of the amount of fluids needed to promote hemodilution, the nurse would expect the adolescent to receive how much total fluid in 24 hours? __________ mL

150mg/kg/day = 8250 mL

12. When evaluating the hemogram of an 8-month-old infant, the nurse would identify which type of hemoglobin as being the predominant type? A) Hemoglobin A B) Hemoglobin F C) Hemoglobin A2 D) Hemoglobin S

A. Hemoglobin A. Three types of normal hemoglobin are present at any given time in the blood: A, F, and A2. By 6 months of age, hemoglobin A is the predominant type. Hemoglobin S is associated with sickle cell disease.

27. A group of students are reviewing information about glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The students demonstrate understanding of the material when they identify this disorder as due to which of the following? A) X-linked recessive inheritance B) Deficiency in clotting factors C) An excess supply of iron D) Autosomal recessive inheritance

A. X-linked recessive inheritance G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder that affects the functioning of the red blood cells. A deficiency in clotting factors is associated with disorders such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, DIC, or hemophilia. An excess supply of iron refers to hemosiderosis, a complication of thalassemia, an autosomal recessive disorder

9. A child with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed ferrous fumarate, 3 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The nurse interprets this order as indicating which of the following? A) The child requires a prophylactic dose of iron. B) The child has mild to moderate iron deficiency. C) The child has severe iron deficiency. D) The child is being prepared for packed red blood cell administration.

B

21. A child is prescribed monthly injections of vitamin B12. When developing the teaching plan for the family, the nurse would focus on which type of anemia? A) Aplastic anemia B) Pernicious anemia C) Folic acid anemia D) Sickle cell anemia

B. Pernicious anemia Monthly injections of vitamin B12 are used to treat pernicious anemia. Aplastic anemia is characterized by a decrease in all blood cells necessitating a bone marrow transplant. Folic acid deficiency anemia is treated with dietary measures and possible folic acid supplementation. Sickle cell anemia is treated supportively with a focus on preventing sickling crisis, infection, and other complications.

23. A 5-year-old girl is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia and is to receive iron supplements. The child has difficulty swallowing tablets, so a liquid formulation is prescribed. After teaching the parents about administering the iron supplement, which statement indicates the need for additional teaching? A) "She needs to eat foods that are high in fiber so she doesn't get constipated." B) "We'll try to get her to drink lots of fluids throughout the day." C) "We will place the liquid in the front of her gums, just below her teeth." D) "We need to measure the liquid carefully so that we give her the correct amount."

C. "We will place the liquid in the front of her gums, just below her teeth." When giving liquid iron supplements, the liquid should be placed behind the teeth because it can stain the teeth. Iron can lead to constipation, so increased fluid and fiber intake is appropriate. The dosage needs to be measured carefully to prevent overdosing the child, leading to iron toxicity.

2. A nurse is conducting a physical examination of a 5-year-old with suspected iron deficiency anemia. How would the nurse evaluate for changes in neurologic functioning? A) "Open your mouth so I can look inside your cheeks and lips." B) "Do you have any bruises on your feet or shins?" C) "Will you show me how you walk across the room?" D) "Let me see the palms of your hands and soles of your feet."

C. "Will you show me how you walk across the room?" Neurologic effects of iron deficiency may be demonstrated when the child's ability to sit, stand, and walk are impaired. Inspecting the mouth, looking for bruises, and checking the hands and feet provide information about signs of petechiae, purpura, or pallor.

10. The nurse is caring for a child with thalassemia who is receiving chelation therapy at home using a battery-operated pump. After teaching the parents about this treatment, which statement by the mother indicates a need for additional teaching? A) "I can have the nurse administer the chelation therapy if I am uncomfortable." B) "I must be very careful to strictly adhere to the chelation regimen." C) "The deferoxamine binds to the iron so it can be removed from the body." D) "The medication can be administered while my child is sleeping."

A. "I can have the nurse administer the chelation therapy if I am uncomfortable." The nurse needs to emphasize to the mother that therapy must be maintained at home to continuously decrease the iron levels in the child's body. Family members need to be taught to administer deferoxamine subcutaneously with a small battery-powered infusion pump over a several-hour period each night (usually while the child is sleeping)

1. The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a toddler with suspected lead poisoning. Lab results indicate blood lead level 52 µg/dL. Which action would the nurse expect to happen next? A) Repeat testing within 2 days and prepare to begin chelation therapy as ordered B) Repeat testing within 1 week with education to decrease lead exposure C) Confirm with repeat testing in 1 month and referral to local health department D) Prepare to admit child to begin chelation therapy

A. Repeat testing within 2 days and prepare to begin chelation therapy as ordered. The recommendation for blood lead levels of 45 to 69 mcg/dL is to confirm the level with a repeat laboratory test within 2 days and educate the parents to decreased lead exposure. She should also expect to begin chelation therapy as ordered and refer the case to the local health department for investigation of home lead reduction with referrals for support services. Repeat testing in 1 week with parent education is appropriate for lead levels between 20 and 44 mcg/dL. Repeat testing in 1 month and education would be appropriate for levels between 15 and 19 mcg/dL. Preparing to admit the child to begin chelation therapy immediately would be appropriate for lead levels greater than 70 mcg/dL

14. When providing care to a child with aplastic anemia, which nursing diagnosis most likely would be the priority? A) Risk for injury B) Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements C) Ineffective tissue perfusion D) Impaired gas exchange

A. Risk for injury For the child with aplastic anemia, safety is of the utmost concern, with injury prevention essential to prevent hemorrhage. Nutrition, tissue perfusion, and gas exchange may or may not be associated with the child's condition.

19. The mother of a 5-year-old girl brings the child to the clinic for an evaluation. The mother tells the nurse, "She seems to be so tired and irritable lately. And she looks so pale." Further assessment reveals pale conjunctiva and oral mucous membranes. The nurse suspects iron-deficiency anemia. Which additional finding would help provide additional evidence for this suspicion? A) Spooned nails B) Negative splenomegaly C) Oxygen saturation: 99% D) Bradycardia

A. Spooned nails Spooning or concave shape of the nails suggests iron-deficiency anemia. Other findings would include decreased oxygen saturation levels, tachycardia, and possible splenomegaly.

3. The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old boy with idiopathic thrombocytopenia. The nurse is providing discharge instructions about home care and safety recommendations to the boy and his parents. Which response indicates a need for further teaching? A) "We should avoid aspirin and drugs like ibuprofen." B) "He can resume participation in football in 2 weeks." C) "Swimming would be a great activity." D) "Our son cannot take any antihistamines."

B. "He can resume participation in football in 2 weeks." The nurse must emphasize to the parents that they need to prevent trauma to their son by avoiding activities that may cause injury. Participation in contact sports like football is not recommended. Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antihistamines should be avoided because they could precipitate anemia. Swimming, a noncontact sport, is an appropriate choice.

18. A child with suspected sickle cell disease is scheduled for a hemoglobin electrophoresis. When reviewing the child's history, which of the following would the nurse identify as potentially interfering with the accuracy of the results? A) Use of iron supplementation B) Blood transfusion 1 month ago C) Lack of fasting for 12 hours D) History of recent infection

B. Blood transfusion 1 month ago Blood transfusion within the previous 12 weeks may alter the results of the hemoglobin electrophoresis. Iron supplements can increase serum ferritin levels. Children should fast for 12 hours before having a specimen obtained for iron levels. A history of infection might interfere with the white blood cell count results, not hemoglobin electrophoresis.

4. The nurse is assessing a child with suspected thalassemia. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? A) Dactylitis B) Frontal bossing C) Presence of clubbing D) Presence of spooning

B. Frontal bossing The nurse would expect to find skeletal deformities such as frontal or maxillary bossing. Dactylitis is associated with sickle cell anemia. Clubbing and spooning are associated with chronic decreases in oxygen supply.

16. A nurse is providing care to a child with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with a platelet count of 18,000/mm3. Which medication would the nurse most likely expect to be ordered? A) Folic acid B) Intravenous immune globulin C) Dimercaprol D) Deferoxamine

B. Intravenous immune globulin Intravenous immune globulin would be used to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency anemia. Dimercaprol is used to remove lead from the soft tissue and bone to allow for excretion by the kidneys. Deferoxamine is used to treat iron toxicity.

13. The nurse is evaluating the laboratory test results of a 7-year-old child with a suspected hematologic disorder. Which finding would cause the nurse to be concerned? A) WBC: 5.6 × 103/mm3 B) RBC: 2.8 × 106/mm3 C) Hemoglobin: 11.4 mg/dL D) Hematocrit: 35%

B. RBC: 2.8 X 106/mm3 The RBC listed is below the normal range for a child between the ages of 6 and 16 years (4.0 to 5.2 X 106/mm3). The WBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are within acceptable parameters for a child this age

11. The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a hematologic disorder about the functions of the various blood cells. The nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the parents state which blood cell as being primarily responsible for blood clotting? A) Granulocytes B) Erythrocytes C) Thrombocytes D) Leukocytes

C

6. The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old girl with von Willebrand disease. After teaching the adolescent and her parents about this disorder and care, which response by the parents indicates a need for additional teaching? A) "We need to administer Stimate prior to dental work." B) "We should be aware that she may suffer from menorrhagia." C) "We should administer desmopressin as often as needed." D) "We understand that she may have frequent nosebleeds."

C. "We should administer desmopressin as often as needed." The parents need to know that desmopressin spray Stimate is used for controlling bleeding; the other brands are used for homeostasis and enuresis. Additionally, Stimate should only be used 3 days in a row as lessening of the response (tachyphylaxis) occurs with frequent use. Stimate should be used before dental work. Menorrhagia and nosebleeds may occur.

17. The nurse is reviewing the white blood cell differential of a 4-year-old girl. Which value would lead the nurse to be concerned? A) Bands: 8% B) Segs: 28% C) Eosinophils: 10% D) Basophils: 0%

C. Eosinophils: 10% For a 4-year-old, normally eosinophils range from 0% to 3%; therefore, a result of 10% would be abnormal and a cause for concern. Bands of 8%, segs of 28%, and basophils of 0% are normal values for this age.

8. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old boy with hemophilia. His parents are upset by the possibility that he will become infected with hepatitis or HIV from the clotting factor replacement therapy. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "Parents commonly fear the worst; however, the factor will help your child lead a normal life." B) "There are risks with any treatment including using blood products, but these are very minor." C) "Although factor replacement is expensive, there's more financial strain from missing work if he has a bleeding episode." D) "Since dry heat treatment of the factor began in 1986, there have been no reports of virus transmission."

D. "Since dry heat treatment of the factor began in 1986, there have been no reports of virus transmission." The nurse needs to emphasize that since 1986, there have been no reports of virus transmission from factor infusion since the inception of heat treatment of the factor. Telling the parents that there is a minor risk does not teach. Telling the parents that factor is expensive or that it is common to worry does not teach, nor does it address their concerns.

26. The nurse is developing a plan of care for a child with thalassemia. Which of the following would the nurse expect to include? Select all that apply. A) Packed RBC transfusions B) Deferoxamine therapy C) Heparin therapy D) Opioid analgesics E) Platelet transfusions F) Intravenous immunoglobulin

A, B RBC transfusions and deferoxamine for chelation are used to treat thalassemia. Heparin therapy is used for treating DIC. Opioid analgesics would be used to treat severe pain associated with sickle cell crisis. Platelet transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulin would be used to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura.

24. The nurse is assessing a child with aplastic anemia. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply. A) Ecchymoses B) Tachycardia C) Guaiac-positive stool D) Epistaxis E) Severe pain F) Warm tender joints

A, B, C, D Assessment findings associated with aplastic anemia include ecchymoses, epistaxis, guaiac-positive stools, and tachycardia. Severe pain and warm tender joints are most often associated with sickle cell crisis.

20. The nurse is teaching the parents of a child diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia about ways to increase their child's intake of iron. The parents demonstrate understanding of the teaching when they identify which foods as good choices for the child? Select all that apply. A) Tuna B) Salmon C) Tofu D) Cow's milk E) Dried fruits

A, B, C, E Foods high in iron include red meats, tuna, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.

22. A nurse is leading a discussion with a group of new mothers about newborn nutrition and its importance for growth and development. One of the mothers asks, "Doesn't the baby get iron from me before birth?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "You give the baby some iron, but it is not enough to sustain him after birth." B) "Because the baby grows rapidly during the first months, he uses up what you gave him." C) "The iron you give him before birth is different from what he needs once he is born." D) "If the baby didn't use up what you gave him before birth, he excretes it soon after birth."

B. "Because the baby grows rapidly during the first months, he uses up what you gave him." In the term infant, a period of physiologic anemia occurs between the age of 2 and 6 months. This is due to the fact that the infant demonstrates rapid growth and an increase in blood volume over the first several months of life, and maternally derived iron stores are depleted by age 4 to 6 months of age. Sufficient iron intake is critical for the appropriate development of hemoglobin and RBCs. Therefore, the infant must ingest adequate quantities of iron either from breast milk or from iron-fortified formula in early infancy and other food sources in later infancy.

15. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder? A) Shortened prothrombin time B) Increased fibrinogen level C) Positive fibrin split products D) Increased platelets

C. Positive fibrin split products Laboratory test results associated with DIC include positive fibrin split products; prolonged prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bleeding time, and thrombin time; decreased fibrinogen levels, platelets, clotting factors II, V, VIII, and X, and antithrombin III; and increased levels of fibrinolysin, fibrinopeptide A, and positive D-dimers.

5. The nurse is caring for a child recently diagnosed with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The nurse is teaching the parents about triggers that may result in oxidative stress. Which of the following responses indicates a need for further teaching? A) "I doubt he will ever eat fava beans, but they could trigger hemolysis." B) "He must avoid exposure to naphthalene, an agent found in mothballs." C) "He must never take methylene blue for a urinary tract infection." D) "My son can never take penicillin for an infection."

D. "My son can never take penicillin for an infection." The nurse should emphasize that penicillin is not a known trigger that may result in oxidative stress and hemolysis. Fava beans, naphthalene, and methylene blue can trigger oxidative stress.

7. The nurse is caring for a child who has been admitted for a sickle cell crisis. Which of the following would the nurse do first to provide adequate pain management? A) Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug as ordered. B) Use guided imagery and therapeutic touch. C) Administer meperidine as ordered. D) Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale.

D. Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale. The nurse should first initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale upon admission and provide frequent evaluations of pain. Administering NSAIDs or meperidine and the use of nonpharmacologic pain management techniques are all appropriate. However, the first action is to assess the child's pain to provide a baseline for future comparison.