Adult 1 - Unit 6 - Ch. 29: Management of Patients with Nonmalignant Hematologic Disorders

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

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) 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 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 needed 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 client is brought to the ED reporting fatigue, large amounts of bruising on the extremities, and abdominal pain localized in the left upper quadrant. A health history reveals the client has been treated for a sore throat three times in the past 2 months. Laboratory tests indicate severe anemia, significant neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Based on the symptoms, what could be the client's diagnosis?

Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemia can be congenital or acquired, but most cases are idiopathic. It can be triggered by infection. The manifestations of aplastic anemia are symptoms of anemia, purpura (bruising), retinal hemorrhages, significant neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Other lymphadenopathies and splenomegaly sometimes occur

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. Erythropoietin may be administered during dialysis treatments. The BUN will be elevated in the client with end-stage renal disease

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 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 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 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?

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 with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has a critically low fibrinogen level and is beginning to hemorrhage. To increase the amount of fibrinogen in the body, the nurse anticipates administering which blood product?

Cryoprecipitate Cryoprecipitate is given to replace fibrinogen and factors V and VII; fresh-frozen plasma is administered to replace other coagulation factors

The nurse and the client are discussing some strategies for ingesting iron to combat the client's iron-deficiency anemia. Which is among the nurse's strategies?

Drink liquid iron preparations 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

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.

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 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.

People with aplastic anemia usually have insufficient erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. They should be encouraged to take what precautions for what reasons?

Encourage behaviors that will lower the risk for bleeding. Avoiding contact with people who are sick reduces the risk of acquiring an infection. Handwashing reduces the risk of acquiring an infection. Anemia can cause fatigue and shortness of breath with even mild exertion.

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)

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

For a client with leukemia, the nurse should apply prolonged pressure to needle sites or other sources of external bleeding. Reduced platelet production results in a delayed clotting process and increases the potential for hemorrhage

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

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 nursing instructor is evaluating a student caring for a neutropenic client. The instructor concludes that the nursing student demonstrates accurate knowledge of neutropenia based on which intervention?

Monitoring the client's temperature and reviewing the client's complete blood count (CBC) with differential Clients with neutropenia often do not exhibit classic signs of infection. Fever is the most common indicator of infection, yet it is not always present. No definite symptoms of neutropenia appear until the client develops an infection. A routine CBC with differential can reveal neutropenia before the onset of infection

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 is hospitalized with sickle cell anemia and the nurse is preparing a teaching plan to review with the client and the client's family. Which interventions should be included? Select all that apply. Never exceed the recommended dosages of analgesics. Dress warmly in cold temperatures. While participating in physical exercise, wear constrictive clothing to support circulation. During a sickle cell crisis, fluids are to be restricted

Never exceed the recommended dosages of analgesics. Dress warmly in cold temperatures Dehydration can increase risk of a sickle cell crisis. The client should drink water throughout the day, increasing the amount when exercising or spending time in a hot, dry climate. Avoid extremes of heat and cold. Wear warm clothes outside in cold weather and inside of air-conditioned rooms. Do not swim in cold water. Be cautious at high altitudes; extra oxygen may be needed. Avoid vigorous physical exercise and leg positions or clothing that cause vasoconstriction. Especially avoid exceeding the recommended dosage of narcotic analgesics and avoid self-medicating with illegal substances

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 When pain is severe, the nurse delays position changes and bathing until an administered analgesic has reached its peak concentration level and the client is experiencing maximum pain relief. Pain medication should never be delayed to assist in the control of the level of pain. Pain will not be relieved by a bath and clean sheets, only analgesics at this point in the client's illness

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 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

While assessing a client, the nurse will recognize what as the most obvious sign of anemia?

Pallor On physical examination, pallor is the most common and obvious sign of anemia. Other findings may include tachycardia and flow murmurs. Patients with hemolytic anemia may exhibit jaundice and splenomegaly

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

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

A nurse is caring for a client with severe anemia. The client is tachycardic and reports dizziness and exertional dyspnea. What signs and symptoms might develop if this client goes into heart failure?

Peripheral edema Cardiac status should be carefully assessed in clients 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 such 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 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 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

The nurse obtains a unit of blood for the client, Donald D. Smith. The name on the label on the unit of blood reads Donald A. Smith. All the other identifiers are correct. What action should the nurse take?

Refuse to administer the blood To ensure a safe transfusion, all components of the identification must be correct. The nurse should refuse to administer the blood and notify the blood bank about the discrepancy. The blood bank should then take the necessary steps to correct the name on the label on the unit of blood

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 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 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) 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).

Which of the following is accurate regarding the use of corticosteroids for immune hemolytic anemia? Select all that apply They decrease the macrophages ability to clear the antibody-coated RBCs. If the hemoglobin returns to normal, the corticosteroid dose can be lowered. Corticosteroids are not effective in the treatment of immune hemolytic anemia. The treatment consists of low doses of corticosteroids. They produce lasting effects

They decrease the macrophages ability to clear the antibody-coated RBCs. If the hemoglobin returns to normal, the corticosteroid dose can be lowered The treatment consists of high doses of corticosteroids until hemolysis decreases. Corticosteroids decrease the macrophage's ability to clear the antibody-coated RBCs. If the hemoglobin level returns to normal, usually after several weeks, the corticosteroid dose can be lowered or, in some cases tapered and discontinued

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

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 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 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

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

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

Lymphopenia

a lymphocyte count less than 1,500/mm

Night sweats, weight loss, and diarrhea may signal...

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Itching, rash, and jaundice may result from an

allergic or hemolytic reaction

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

Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may be signs of

hepatitis B

A client with sickle cell anemia has a ______ hematocrit

low hematocrit A client with sickle cell anemia has a low hematocrit and sickled cells on the smear. A client with sickle cell trait usually has a normal hemoglobin level, a normal hematocrit, and a normal blood smear

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?

omen 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

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 who's dizzy and anemic is at risk for injury because of his weakened state. Assisting him with the bedpan would best meet his needs at this time without risking his safety. The client may fall if walking to the bathroom, left alone to urinate, or trying to stand up

A patient with sickle cell anemia is to begin treatment for the disease with hydroxyurea. What does the nurse inform the patient will be the benefits of treatment with this medication?

Fewer painful episodes of sickle cell crisis Lower incidence of acute chest syndrome Decreased need for blood transfusions Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapy agent that is effective in increasing fetal hemoglobin (i.e., hemoglobin F) levels in patients with sickle cell anemia, thereby decreasing the formation of sickled cells. Patients who receive hydroxyurea appear to have fewer painful episodes of sickle cell crisis, a lower incidence of acute chest syndrome, and less need for transfusions. However, whether hydroxyurea can prevent or reverse actual organ damage remains unknown

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. To help prevent capillary bleeding, the nurse should use the smallest needle possible when administering injections

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. To help prevent capillary bleeding, the nurse should use the smallest needle possible when administering injections.