A nurse is caring for a client with sickle cell anemia. The client asks, "Why am I in so much pain?" What is an appropriate response from the nurse to make to this client?
"You are not taking deep breaths, and that is causing your pain."
"Your red blood cells are not the correct shape, and that causes blood flow to become blocked."
"You have a genetic disorder, and the mutated gene causes increased pain."
"You are anemic, and the lack of hemoglobin causes pain."
The Correct Answer is B
A. While deep breathing can help alleviate pain, it is not the primary cause of pain in sickle cell anemia; this response could minimize the client's experience.
B. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like a sickle, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to vaso-occlusive crises, resulting in pain.
C. Although sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, simply stating that the mutated gene causes increased pain is too vague and does not explain the pain mechanism adequately.
D. While anemia can contribute to fatigue and some discomfort, the pain in sickle cell anemia is primarily due to the sickling of red blood cells and subsequent blockage of blood flow, rather than just the lack of hemoglobin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diarrhea is not a typical finding associated with anemia from blood loss; it may occur for other reasons but is not directly related to low hemoglobin levels.
B. Fatigue is a common symptom in clients with anemia, particularly when hemoglobin levels are low, as there is reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to feelings of weakness and tiredness.
C. Hypertension is unlikely to be present in a client with significant blood loss; instead, hypotension may be more expected due to reduced blood volume.
D. Bradycardia is not typically associated with anemia; in fact, tachycardia (increased heart rate) is more common as the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sharp pain in the lower back is a classic symptom of an acute hemolytic reaction, which can occur due to incompatible blood transfusions.
B. Coughing more could indicate a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) but is not a typical sign of an acute hemolytic reaction.
C. Ringing in the ears can occur with other conditions but is not a common sign of an acute hemolytic reaction.
D. Feeling needles poking in the feet is vague and not specifically associated with acute hemolytic reactions, which are characterized by more severe systemic symptoms.
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