Chapter 32: Assessment of Hematologic Function and Treatment Modalities Required Competency
A client verbalizes fear of infection from a blood transfusion. What is the nurse's best response?
"Every unit of donated blood is typed and tested for antibodies to infections."
A patient will need a blood transfusion for the replacement of blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. The patient states, "That stuff isn't safe!" What is the best response from the nurse?
"I understand your concern. The blood is carefully screened but is not completely risk free."
A nurse is teaching a client with a vitamin B12 deficiency about appropriate food choices to increase the amount of B12 ingested with each meal. The nurse knows the teaching is effective based on which statement by the client?
"I will eat a meat source such as chicken or pork with each meal."
A preoperative client is discussing blood donation with the nurse. Which statement by the client indicates to the nurse the need for further teaching?
"My family will donate blood, because it's safer."
A nursing instructor in a BSN program is preparing for a lecture on disorders of the hematopoietic system. Included in the lecture are conditions caused by reduced levels or absence of blood-clotting proteins. Which of the following is the instructor most likely referring to?
Coagulopathy
The nurse should be alert to which adverse assessment finding when transfusing a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) too rapidly?
Crackles auscultated bilaterally
A patient with chronic kidney disease is being examined by the nurse practitioner for anemia. The nurse has reviewed the laboratory data for hemoglobin and RBC count. What other test results would the nurse anticipate observing?
Decreased level of erythropoietin
When conducting a health assessment on a client suspected for having a hematological disorder, the nurse should collect which data? Select all that apply.
Dietary intake Medication use Ethnicity Herbal supplements
What food should the nurse recommend for a client diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Lean meat
Under normal conditions, the adult bone marrow produces approximately 70 billion neutrophils. What is the major function of neutrophils?
Phagocytosis
A nurse cares for several mothers and babies in the postpartum unit. Which mother does the nurse recognize as being most at risk for a febrile nonhemolytic reaction?
Rh-negative mother; Rh-positive child
Place the following procedural steps in order for transfusing a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs).
Start an intravenous line. Obtain the unit of PRBCs from the blood bank. Double check the labels with another nurse to ensure correct ABO group and Rh type. Initiate the blood transfusion within 30 minutes of receipt. Monitor closely for signs of a transfusion reaction.
Place the following steps in order when determining the type and severity of a transfusion reaction. Use all options.
Stop the transfusion. Assess the client. Notify the health care provider. Notify the blood bank. Send the tubing and container to the blood bank.
A nurse working in hematology reviews the characteristics of stem cells and their role in disease. Which statements does the nurse understand is true regarding stem cells? Select all that apply.
There is a continuous supply throughout the life cycle. Lymphoid stem cells produce lymphocytes. Myeloid stem cells produce erythrocytes. They have the ability to self-replicate.
The physician orders a transfusion with packed red blood cells (RBCs) for a client hospitalized with severe iron deficiency anemia. When blood is administered, what is the most important action the nurse can take to prevent a transfusion reaction?
Verify the client's identity according to hospital policy
The nurse is obtaining the health history of a client suspected of having a hematological condition. The nurse notes the client has a history of alcohol abuse. Which clinical presentation is related to alcohol consumption?
anemia
A nurse, caring for a client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), reviews the client's differential WBC count. What type of WBC will the nurse check the level of?
T lymphocytes
The health care provider believes that the client has a deficiency in the leukocyte responsible for cell-mediated immunity. What should the nurse check the WBC count for?
T lymphocytes
The nurse is administering a blood transfusion to a client over 4 hours. After 2 hours, the client reports chills and has a fever of 101°F, an increase from a previous temperature of 99.2°F. What does the nurse recognize is occurring with this client?
The client is having a febrile nonhemolytic reaction.
The nurse is caring for a client with hypoxia. What does the nurse understand is true regarding the client's oxygen level and the production of red blood cells?
The kidneys sense low oxygen levels in the blood and stimulate erythropoietin, stimulating the marrow to produce more red blood cells.
A nurse is reviewing a client's morning laboratory results and notes a left shift in the band cells. Based on this result, the nurse can interpret that the client
may be developing an infection.
A client with Hodgkin disease had a bone marrow biopsy yesterday and reports aching at the biopsy site, rated a 5 (on a 1-10 scale). After assessing the biopsy site, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Administer acetaminophen 500 mg po, as ordered
Which type of leukocyte contains histamine and is an important part of hypersensitivity reactions?
Basophils
The nurse is preparing a patient for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy from the site of the posterior superior iliac crest. What position will the nurse place the patient in?
Lateral position with one leg flexed
The nurse is providing health education to an older adult client who has low red blood cell levels. To promote red blood cell production, the nurse should encourage intake of what foods? Select all that apply.
Leafy green vegetables Lean meats Nuts and seeds
A nurse cares for a client with megaloblastic anemia who had a total gastrectomy three years ago. What statement will the nurse include in the client's teaching regarding the condition?
"The condition is likely caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency."
The nurse is instructing the client with polycythemia vera how to perform isometric exercises such as contracting and relaxing the quadriceps and gluteal muscle during periods of inactivity. What does the nurse understand is the rationale for this type of exercise?
Contraction of skeletal muscle compresses the walls of veins and increases the circulation of venous blood as it returns to the heart.
Post transfusion, the donor stands up immediately after the needle is withdrawn. The nurse should be alert for which vital sign change?
Decreased blood pressure.
A client receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has been prescribed morphine 1 mg intravenously now for pain. What is the best method for the nurse to administer the morphine?
Disconnect the blood tubing, flush with normal saline, and administer morphine.
The charge nurse should intervene when observing a new nurse perform which action after a client has suffered a possible hemolytic blood transfusion reaction?
Disposing of the blood container and tubing in biohazard waste.
A patient is undergoing platelet pheresis at the outpatient clinic. What does the nurse know is the most likely clinical disorder the patient is being treated for?
Essential thrombocythemia
Which term describes the percentage of blood volume that consists of erythrocytes?
Hematocrit
A nurse is performing an initial assessment and notes the client's skin is a gray-tan color, especially on the scars of the client's arms. Which hematological condition does the nurse suspect?
Hemochromatosis
While caring for a client, the nurse notes petechiae on the client's trunk and lower extremities. What precaution will the nurse take when caring for this client?
Use an electric razor when assisting client with shaving.
The client's CBC with differential reveals small-shaped hemoglobin molecules. The nurse expects to administer which medication to this client?
iron
