A nurse is caring for a client who has sickle cell disease.
Client reports fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and dyspnea. Sclera is jaundiced. A 2.5 cm (1 in) by 2.5 cm (1 in) open ulcer is noted on the inner left ankle.
For each client finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with sickle cell disease, iron deficiency anemia, or leukemia. Each finding may support more than one disease process.
Joint pain
Heart Rate at 1000
Respiratory status
Jaundice
Ankle ulcer
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,C"},"B":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"C":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"D":{"answers":"A,C"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Joint Pain
Sickle Cell Disease: Joint pain is a common symptom of sickle cell disease due to vaso-occlusive crises, where sickle- shaped red blood cells block blood flow to the joints, causing pain and inflammation. These episodes can be severe and recurrent, leading to chronic pain and joint damage over time.
Leukemia: Joint pain can also be a symptom of leukemia, particularly in children. This occurs because leukemia cells can infiltrate the bone marrow, causing bone and joint pain. The pain is often due to the expansion of the marrow cavity by the leukemic cells.
Heart Rate at 1000
Sickle Cell Disease: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) can occur in sickle cell disease due to anemia. The body compensates for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by increasing the heart rate.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Tachycardia is also a common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. The heart works harder to pump more blood to deliver adequate oxygen to tissues, resulting in an increased heart rate.
Leukemia: In leukemia, anemia can develop due to the replacement of normal bone marrow cells with leukemic cells, leading to a reduced number of red blood cells and subsequent tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate.
Respiratory Status
Sickle Cell Disease: Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and labored breathing can occur in sickle cell disease due to anemia and acute chest syndrome, a severe complication where sickle cells block blood flow in the lungs.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and labored breathing are common in iron deficiency anemia due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Leukemia: Leukemia can cause respiratory symptoms due to anemia and the infiltration of leukemic cells into the lungs, leading to reduced oxygenation and labored breathing.
Jaundice
Sickle Cell Disease: Jaundice is a common symptom of sickle cell disease due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), leading to elevated bilirubin levels.
Leukemia: Jaundice can also occur in leukemia if the liver is infiltrated by leukemic cells or if there is significant hemolysis.
Ankle Ulcer
Sickle Cell Disease: Ankle ulcers are a common complication of sickle cell disease. They result from poor blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin, leading to chronic, non-healing ulcers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["10"]
Explanation
Step 1: Determine the concentration of the suspension. 250 mg ÷ 5 mL = 50 mg/mL
Result: 50 mg/mL
Step 2: Calculate the amount of mL needed for a 500 mg dose. 500 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 10 mL
Result: 10 mL
Final Answer: The nurse should administer 10 mL per dose.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Tremors are not typically associated with Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol, which leads to various symptoms, but tremors are not commonly among them. Tremors are more often associated with conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.
Choice B reason:
A buffalo hump, which is a fat deposit on the back of the neck and upper back, is a common manifestation of Cushing’s syndrome. This occurs due to the redistribution of fat caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. The buffalo hump is a distinctive physical sign that helps in diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome.
Choice C reason:
Moon face, characterized by a rounded, puffy face, is another hallmark of Cushing’s syndrome. This symptom results from fat deposits accumulating in the facial area due to elevated cortisol levels. The moon face is often one of the first noticeable signs of Cushing’s syndrome.
Choice D reason:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. Cortisol increases blood pressure by enhancing the sensitivity of blood vessels to catecholamines and by promoting sodium and water retention. This leads to an increase in blood volume and, consequently, higher blood pressure.
Choice E reason:
Purple striae, or stretch marks, are also indicative of Cushing’s syndrome. These marks typically appear on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, and arms and are caused by the thinning of the skin and weakening of connective tissue due to excessive cortisol. The striae are often wide and have a purplish hue, distinguishing them from regular stretch marks.
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