A nurse is assessing a patient with sickle cell disease who complains of frequent infections and fatigue.
The patient states, "I always feel tired, and I get sick easily, especially with respiratory infections.”.
Based on this information, what aspect of sickle cell disease is the nurse likely evaluating in this patient?
Chronic hypoxia.
Impaired immune function.
Delayed growth and development.
Vascular occlusion.
The Correct Answer is B
Impaired immune function.
Choice A rationale:
Chronic hypoxia.
Chronic hypoxia is not the primary concern described by the patient.
While individuals with sickle cell disease can experience episodes of hypoxia, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections.
Chronic hypoxia could be a consequence of the disease, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Impaired immune function.
The patient's complaints of feeling tired and getting sick easily, especially with respiratory infections, suggest impaired immune function.
Sickle cell disease can affect the spleen, which plays a crucial role in the immune system.
Many individuals with this condition experience functional asplenia, making them more susceptible to infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.
This compromised immune function is a significant concern for patients with sickle cell disease, and the nurse should assess and address it.
Choice C rationale:
Delayed growth and development.
Delayed growth and development are not the primary concerns mentioned by the patient in this scenario.
While children with sickle cell disease can experience delayed growth and development due to chronic anemia and other factors, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, which are more indicative of impaired immune function.
Choice D rationale:
Vascular occlusion.
Vascular occlusion can be a significant issue in sickle cell disease, leading to pain and tissue damage, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this patient based on the information provided.
The patient's chief complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, suggesting that impaired immune function is the primary concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become more flexible.”.
This statement is not accurate.
Hemoglobin S (HbS) actually causes red blood cells to become less flexible and take on a characteristic sickle shape.
This change in shape is a key feature of sickle cell disease and can lead to various complications.
Choice B rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells improve blood flow in the body.”.
This statement is incorrect.
Sickle-shaped cells do not improve blood flow.
In fact, they can impair blood flow by blocking blood vessels.
The abnormal shape of these cells makes them more likely to get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and other complications.
Choice C rationale:
"Chronic hemolysis and anemia are not associated with sickle cell disease.”.
This statement is also incorrect.
Chronic hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) is a hallmark of sickle cell disease.
The abnormal shape of sickle cells makes them more fragile, leading to their premature destruction, which results in anemia.
Choice D rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells can block blood vessels and impair blood flow.”.
This is The correct answer.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and impaired blood flow.
This is a key part of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
To increase the number of healthy red blood cells in the patient's body.
The primary goal of oxygen therapy in acute chest syndrome is not to increase the number of healthy red blood cells but to provide immediate relief by improving oxygenation.
Increasing healthy red blood cell production would take time and is not a suitable acute intervention.
Choice B rationale:
To reduce the frequency of pain crises and complications.
Oxygen therapy is not primarily aimed at reducing the frequency of pain crises.
It is used to address acute respiratory distress and improve oxygenation, which is essential in acute chest syndrome.
Choice D rationale:
To prevent infections and enhance the immune system response.
Oxygen therapy is not administered to prevent infections or enhance the immune system response.
Its main purpose is to address respiratory distress and hypoxia in patients with acute chest syndrome.
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