A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia.
The client's laboratory results show a low hemoglobin level and microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells on the peripheral blood smear.
What other laboratory findings are consistent with iron-deficiency anemia in this client?
"My serum iron levels are within the normal range.”
"My transferrin saturation is above 20%.”
"My serum ferritin is significantly elevated.”
"My MCV and MCHC are both within the normal range.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Elevated serum iron levels are not consistent with iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron-deficiency anemia is characterized by low serum iron levels, as the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin.
In this case, the client mentions that their serum iron levels are within the normal range, which does not align with the typical findings of iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice B rationale:
Transferrin saturation measures the amount of iron bound to transferrin in the blood.
In iron-deficiency anemia, transferrin saturation is typically below 20% because there is insufficient iron available for binding to transferrin.
Therefore, the statement that "My transferrin saturation is above 20%" is inconsistent with the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice C rationale:
Serum ferritin is a key indicator of iron stores in the body.
In iron-deficiency anemia, serum ferritin levels are significantly decreased because the body has depleted its iron stores to maintain essential functions like hemoglobin synthesis.
Therefore, the statement "My serum ferritin is significantly elevated" contradicts the typical laboratory findings of iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice D rationale:
The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are both red blood cell indices.
In iron-deficiency anemia, these indices are often decreased, resulting in microcytic (small) and hypochromic (pale) red blood cells.
Therefore, the statement "My MCV and MCHC are both within the normal range" does not align with the characteristic findings of iron-deficiency anemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Review of the results of the CBC (Complete Blood Count) with differential and peripheral blood smear is essential in assessing a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
The CBC provides information about hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell indices, which are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring anemia.
A peripheral blood smear can help identify the characteristic microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells seen in iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is essential in the assessment of a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
Anemia can lead to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, potentially causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and tachycardia.
Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation helps assess the patient's response to anemia and the need for oxygen supplementation.
Choice C rationale:
Administering iron supplements as prescribed is a nursing intervention rather than a component of the nursing assessment.
While it is important for the management of iron-deficiency anemia, the assessment phase involves gathering data about the patient's condition, not implementing interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Providing emotional support and counseling to the patient and family members is a crucial component of nursing care for patients with iron-deficiency anemia.
Anemia can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, causing fatigue, weakness, and emotional distress.
Offering emotional support and education to the patient and family members helps them cope with the condition and its management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
To correct the underlying cause of iron deficiency.
The primary goal of treatment and management for a client with iron-deficiency anemia is to correct the underlying cause of iron deficiency.
This may involve addressing dietary deficiencies, identifying and treating gastrointestinal bleeding, or managing chronic conditions that contribute to iron loss.
Correcting the underlying cause is essential for long-term management.
Choice B rationale:
To restore normal hemoglobin and iron levels.
Restoring normal hemoglobin and iron levels is certainly a goal of treatment for iron-deficiency anemia, but it is not the primary goal.
Normalizing hemoglobin and iron levels is a means to an end, with the ultimate goal being to correct the underlying cause of the deficiency.
Choice C rationale:
To prevent or treat complications of anemia.
Preventing or treating complications of anemia is an important aspect of management, but it is not the primary goal.
Complications such as fatigue, weakness, and impaired oxygen delivery are addressed through the correction of the underlying iron deficiency.
Choice D rationale:
To provide immediate relief of anemia symptoms.
Providing immediate relief of anemia symptoms is a short-term goal of treatment, but it is not the primary goal.
The primary focus should be on addressing the root cause of iron deficiency to achieve long-term improvement in the patient's overall health and well-being.
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