A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic evaluation process for a patient with SCD.
What is the primary purpose of hemoglobin electrophoresis in the diagnostic workup?
To measure the number and size of red blood cells.
To identify the presence and amount of abnormal hemoglobins.
To expose a blood sample to a deoxygenating agent.
To analyze the DNA of a blood sample.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hemoglobin electrophoresis is not primarily used to measure the number and size of red blood cells.
It focuses on the types of hemoglobin present in the blood, not their quantity or size.
Choice B rationale:
The primary purpose of hemoglobin electrophoresis in the diagnostic workup for sickle cell disease (SCD) is to identify the presence and amount of abnormal hemoglobins.
This test helps diagnose and differentiate various types of hemoglobinopathies, including SCD.
Abnormal hemoglobins like hemoglobin S (HbS) are characteristic of SCD.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin electrophoresis does not expose a blood sample to a deoxygenating agent.
Instead, it separates hemoglobin molecules based on their electrical charge, which is useful for identifying abnormal hemoglobins associated with SCD.
Choice D rationale:
Hemoglobin electrophoresis does not analyze the DNA of a blood sample.
It primarily focuses on the characterization of hemoglobin types and their proportions within the blood.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Skin rash is not the priority problem to identify in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)
While skin manifestations can occur in SCD, such as leg ulcers, they are not typically the most critical issue for these patients.
Pain and discomfort related to sickle cell crisis, vaso-occlusion, and tissue ischemia take precedence as a priority.
Choice B rationale:
Increased energy levels are not a priority problem in a patient with SCD.
In fact, patients with SCD often experience fatigue and weakness, especially during sickle cell crises.
Identifying and managing pain and discomfort are more crucial for the patient's well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Pain and discomfort are the priority problems to identify in a patient with SCD.
Sickle cell crises can lead to excruciating pain in various parts of the body, and prompt management of this pain is essential to improve the patient's quality of life and prevent complications.
Choice D rationale:
Improved lung function is not the priority problem to identify in a patient with SCD.
While lung complications can occur in SCD (e.g., acute chest syndrome), addressing pain and discomfort is more urgent and essential for the patient's immediate well-being.
.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Rationale: A CBC is a standard blood test that provides information about the number and types of blood cells in the patient's circulation.
While it can help diagnose anemia, it does not confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobins or sickle cell disease.
Choice A is not the essential test for confirming the diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
Peripheral blood smear.
Rationale: A peripheral blood smear can be useful in assessing the morphology of red blood cells, but it may not be specific enough to confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobins or sickle cell disease definitively.
It can provide supportive evidence but is not the primary diagnostic test.
Choice C rationale:
Solubility test or sickling test.
Rationale: The solubility test or sickling test is essential for confirming the diagnosis of sickle cell disease and identifying the presence of abnormal hemoglobins, specifically hemoglobin S (HbS)
This test is the gold standard for diagnosing SCD, making choice C the correct answer.
Choice D rationale:
Imaging studies, such as a chest x-ray.
Rationale: Imaging studies like chest x-rays are not used as primary diagnostic tools for sickle cell disease.
They may be employed to assess complications such as acute chest syndrome or other respiratory issues associated with SCD, but they do not confirm the diagnosis or identify abnormal hemoglobins.
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