A nurse is teaching a young adult female client who has sickle cell anemia and a new prescription for hydroxyurea. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range for children, which is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium levels may be low in nephrotic syndrome due to fluid retention and dilutional hyponatremia, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice B rationale:

The platelet count of 350,000/mm3 is within the normal range for children, which is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3. Platelet levels may be elevated in nephrotic syndrome due to increased production by the bone marrow in response to inflammation and infection, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should report the protein level of 2 g/dL to the provider, as this is abnormally low and indicates severe proteinuria. Proteinuria is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome, as the glomeruli become damaged and allow protein to leak into the urine. Normal protein levels for children are 6 to 8 g/dL. Low protein levels can lead to edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Choice D rationale:

The cholesterol level of 170 mg/dL is within the normal range for children, which is less than 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol levels may be high in nephrotic syndrome due to increased synthesis by the liver as a compensatory mechanism for low protein levels, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice A rationale:

Frequent cervical examinations may increase the risk of introducing infection or causing additional bleeding. Cervical examinations are not a priority in managing placental abruption.

Choice B rationale:

Placental abruption can lead to significant blood loss, and the client may require intravenous fluids and blood products to maintain hemodynamic stability. Initiating an IV with an 18-gauge catheter allows for rapid administration of fluids and blood products if needed.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring fetal heart rate hourly is important, but addressing the mother's hemodynamic stability with IV fluids takes priority.

Choice D rationale:

Vital signs should be obtained more frequently than every 4 hours due to the risk of ongoing blood loss.