A nurse is caring for a young female adult client who reports weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods. The client has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and a hematocrit level of 28 g/dL. The nurse suspects which of the following types of anemia?
Folic acid deficiency anemia
Pernicious anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia
Sickle cell anemia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Folic acid deficiency anemia:
Folic acid deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for red blood cell production. Symptoms can include weakness and fatigue, similar to iron-deficiency anemia. However, folic acid deficiency anemia typically does not cause heavy menstrual periods. Laboratory findings may show a low level of folate in the blood, but the hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and hematocrit level of 28 g/dL alone do not specifically indicate folic acid deficiency anemia without considering other factors like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell indices.
B. Pernicious anemia:
Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance needed for the absorption of vitamin B12. It can lead to symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. However, heavy menstrual periods are not a characteristic feature of pernicious anemia. Laboratory findings may show a low hemoglobin and hematocrit level, but again, other factors such as MCV and vitamin B12 levels would be needed to confirm this type of anemia.
C. Iron-deficiency anemia:
Iron-deficiency anemia occurs due to insufficient iron stores in the body, leading to decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This type of anemia is commonly associated with symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods in women due to blood loss. The client's hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and hematocrit level of 28 g/dL are consistent with iron-deficiency anemia, making this the most likely choice based on the information provided.
D. Sickle cell anemia:
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and less flexible. It typically presents with symptoms such as anemia, pain crises, and organ damage. However, the client's symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods are not specific to sickle cell anemia. Additionally, sickle cell anemia would have different laboratory findings, including a different pattern on peripheral blood smear and hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
A. Confirm that the room number matches the medical record.Room numbers should never be used as a sole method to identify a client. Room assignments can change, and relying on them could lead to errors.
B. Compare the client identification number to the blood component tag number.Matching the client identification number to the blood component tag ensures the blood is being administered to the correct client. This is a key step in preventing transfusion errors.
C. Verify the provider's prescription with another RN.While this is an important step in the blood administration process, it is not specifically related to identifying the client.
D. Ask the client to verbalize if the blood type is Rh-negative or positive.Clients may not know their blood type, and relying on their verbal confirmation is unsafe. The blood type must be confirmed through laboratory testing and matched with the blood being administered.
E. Scan the barcode on the client's identification band.Scanning the barcode on the client’s identification band is a reliable and commonly used method for verifying the client’s identity in modern healthcare settings. This ensures that the blood is administered to the correct client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The pain can be severe and sudden at rest: This statement is more characteristic of unstable angina, where chest pain can occur at rest or with minimal exertion and is often severe and unpredictable.
B. The pain persists with rest and organic nitrates: This statement is more indicative of unstable angina or variant (Prinzmetal's) angina. Stable angina typically improves with rest and nitroglycerin (an organic nitrate).
C. The pain usually lasts longer than 20 minutes: Stable angina pain typically lasts for a few minutes (usually less than 5 to 10 minutes) and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin. Pain lasting longer than 20 minutes may indicate an acute coronary syndrome such as unstable angina or myocardial infarction.
D. Exertion and anxiety can trigger the pain: This statement is accurate for stable angina. Exertion, such as physical activity or emotional stress, can trigger anginal pain in individuals with stable angina due to increased oxygen demand by the heart.
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