A nurse is providing care to an infant newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. The infant's parents ask the nurse to describe what sickled red blood cells are and how they affect blood flow. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the discussion? (Select All that Apply.)
"Sickled red blood cells are flexible, making it easier for these cells to travel through small vessels."
"Sickled red blood cells are c-shaped and tend to stick together more easily."
"Sickled red blood cells have a long-life span. Therefore, they circulate in the blood longer than healthy cells."
"Sickled red blood cells are rigid, making it difficult for the cells to travel through smaller vessels."
"Sickled red blood cells have a short life span which decreases the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood."
Correct Answer : B,D,E
A. Sickled red blood cells are flexible, making it easier for these cells to travel through small vessels is incorrect. Sickled red blood cells are rigid and inflexible, which makes it difficult for them to pass through small blood vessels, contributing to blockages and reduced oxygen delivery.
B. Sickled red blood cells are c-shaped and tend to stick together more easily is correct. Sickled red blood cells have an abnormal, crescent or "C" shape, and they stick together, which can cause clumping and block blood flow in small vessels, leading to pain and organ damage.
C. Sickled red blood cells have a long-life span. Therefore, they circulate in the blood longer than healthy cells is incorrect. Sickled red blood cells have a shortened life span (about 10-20 days) compared to normal red blood cells, which typically last 120 days, leading to a higher rate of cell destruction and anemia.
D. Sickled red blood cells are rigid, making it difficult for the cells to travel through smaller vessels is correct. The rigidity of sickled cells prevents them from easily moving through small blood vessels, causing occlusions, pain, and organ damage.
E. Sickled red blood cells have a short life span which decreases the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood is correct. Due to their short life span, sickled cells are destroyed more quickly, leading to anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased temperature, tachycardia, tachypnea is not consistent with Cushing's triad. These signs generally reflect an infection, fever, or a stress response, and are not indicative of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brain herniation.
B. Decreased temperature, bradycardia, bradypnea is incorrect. While bradycardia is a component of Cushing's triad, decreased temperature and bradypnea are not part of this syndrome. The signs of Cushing's triad typically include increased blood pressure, not decreased temperature.
C. Bradycardia, high blood pressure, irregular respirations is correct. These are the hallmark signs of Cushing's triad, which indicate a significant increase in intracranial pressure. Bradycardia occurs as a result of elevated pressure on the brainstem, high blood pressure develops as a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion, and irregular respirations reflect brainstem dysfunction.
D. Bradycardia, hypotension, tachypnea is incorrect. Hypotension is not part of Cushing's triad. Instead, high blood pressure is typically present in this condition due to the body's compensatory response to increased ICP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "My baby's formula can be thickened with oatmeal." While some infants with reflux may benefit from thickening their formula, oatmeal is not typically recommended as a thickening agent. Parents should follow specific medical guidance on safe thickening agents for formula.
B. "I will keep my baby in an upright position after feedings." This statement demonstrates an understanding of appropriate management of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Keeping the baby upright after feeding helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, reducing reflux symptoms.
C. "I will have to feed my baby formula rather than breast milk." This statement is incorrect. Breast milk is not contraindicated for infants with GER, and in fact, breast milk may be easier to digest and may help reduce reflux symptoms compared to formula.
D. "I should position my baby side-lying during sleep." This statement is not recommended. Babies should be placed on their back for sleep, as side-lying positions can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The back sleep position is safest for all infants, including those with reflux.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.