A client with suspected SCD is undergoing diagnostic evaluation.
Which laboratory test is essential for confirming the diagnosis and identifying the presence of abnormal hemoglobins?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Peripheral blood smear.
Solubility test or sickling test.
Imaging studies, such as a chest x-ray.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Rationale: A CBC is a standard blood test that provides information about the number and types of blood cells in the patient's circulation.
While it can help diagnose anemia, it does not confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobins or sickle cell disease.
Choice A is not the essential test for confirming the diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
Peripheral blood smear.
Rationale: A peripheral blood smear can be useful in assessing the morphology of red blood cells, but it may not be specific enough to confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobins or sickle cell disease definitively.
It can provide supportive evidence but is not the primary diagnostic test.
Choice C rationale:
Solubility test or sickling test.
Rationale: The solubility test or sickling test is essential for confirming the diagnosis of sickle cell disease and identifying the presence of abnormal hemoglobins, specifically hemoglobin S (HbS)
This test is the gold standard for diagnosing SCD, making choice C the correct answer.
Choice D rationale:
Imaging studies, such as a chest x-ray.
Rationale: Imaging studies like chest x-rays are not used as primary diagnostic tools for sickle cell disease.
They may be employed to assess complications such as acute chest syndrome or other respiratory issues associated with SCD, but they do not confirm the diagnosis or identify abnormal hemoglobins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Jaundice and gallstones are common complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) because of hemolysis, which is the destruction of abnormal red blood cells.
The breakdown of these cells releases bilirubin, leading to jaundice, and can also result in the formation of gallstones.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect.
Jaundice and gallstones in SCD are not caused by excessive iron intake in the diet.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect.
Allergic reactions to foods do not lead to jaundice and gallstones in SCD.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect.
Jaundice and gallstones in SCD do not result from an overproduction of normal red blood cells.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I've been having vision problems lately." Rationale: Vision problems are not directly associated with complications of sickle cell disease (SCD)
SCD primarily affects the blood and vascular system, leading to symptoms such as anemia, pain crises, and organ damage.
Vision problems may be caused by other underlying conditions, but they are not a typical manifestation of SCD complications.
Choice B rationale:
"I've had delayed growth in my child." Rationale: Delayed growth in a child could be associated with SCD, as it may be a result of chronic anemia and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
However, it is not a direct clinical manifestation of complications.
Other more common complications, such as pain crises, acute chest syndrome, or organ damage, should be assessed first to determine the extent of the disease's impact on the patient's health.
Choice C rationale:
"I had a stroke a few years ago." Rationale: This statement is significant because stroke is a known complication of sickle cell disease.
SCD can lead to the occlusion of blood vessels, including those in the brain, resulting in stroke.
Therefore, the nurse should assess for any neurological deficits and gather more information about the stroke episode to assess its severity and potential impact on the patient's current condition.
Choice D rationale:
"I'm experiencing chest pain, fever, and cough." Rationale: Chest pain, fever, and cough are indicative of acute chest syndrome (ACS), which is a severe complication of SCD.
ACS can lead to respiratory distress and is considered a medical emergency.
The presence of these symptoms warrants immediate assessment and intervention, making choice D the correct answer.
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