A school-age child is admitted in vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis.
The child’s care should include which intervention? (Select all that apply.)
Correction of acidosis
Adequate hydration.
Pain management.
Administration of heparin.
Correct Answer : B,C
The child’s care should include adequate hydration and pain management. The management of an acute event of a vaso-occlusive crisis is the use of potent analgesics (opioids), rehydration with normal saline or Ringer’s lactate, treatment of malaria (whether symptomatic or not) using artemisinin combination therapy, and the use of oxygen via face mask, especially for acute chest syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because correction of acidosis is not a specific intervention for the vaso- occlusive crisis.
Acidosis may occur as a complication of sickle cell disease, but it is not the primary cause of the crisis.
Choice D is wrong because the administration of heparin is not recommended for the vaso-occlusive crisis.
Heparin is an anticoagulant that may increase the risk of bleeding and does not prevent or treat the sickling process.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl for children after 2 years of age.
Normal ranges for reticulocyte count are 0.5% to 1.5% for adults and 0.5% to 2.5% for children.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The child should receive his regular dose of insulin even if he does not have an appetite. If the child is not eating as usual, he needs calories to prevent hypoglycemia. During periods of minor illness, the child with type 1 diabetes mellitus can be managed safely at home.
Choice A is wrong because giving the child half his regular morning dose of insulin can lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.
Choice C is wrong because giving the child plenty of unsweetened, clear liquids to prevent dehydration can also cause hypoglycemia.
Choice D is wrong because taking the child directly to the emergency department is not necessary unless the child has signs of severe dehydration, vomiting, abdominal
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Vernix caseosa is a cheese-like, whitish substance that fuses with the epidermis and serves as a protective coating for the newborn.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
- Choice B. Surfactant is a protein that lines the alveoli of the infant’s lungs and helps prevent them from collapsing.
- Choice C. Caput succedaneum is a swelling of the tissue over the presenting part of the fetal head caused by pressure during delivery.
- Choice D. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to reduced peripheral circulation.
Normal ranges for vernix caseosa are not applicable as it varies depending on the gestational age and skin maturity of the newborn. However, it is usually more abundant in preterm infants than in term or post-term infants.
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