After teaching the parents of a child diagnosed with sickle cell disease the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the parents state that they will contact the primary health care provider if the child develops which signs or symptoms?
Chest pain
Constipation
Irritability
Rash
The Correct Answer is A
A. Chest pain in a child with SCD can indicate acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication caused by pulmonary vaso-occlusion, infection, or fat embolism. Symptoms may include fever, cough, tachypnea, hypoxia, and chest pain. Immediate medical evaluation is critical to prevent respiratory failure and other severe outcomes.
B. While constipation can occur, it is common and generally not life-threatening in children with SCD. It can often be managed at home with dietary changes, fluids, or stool softeners. It does not require urgent medical attention.
C. Irritability can be nonspecific and may be caused by fatigue, pain, or discomfort, but it is not an immediate indicator of a serious SCD complication unless accompanied by other clinical signs (e.g., fever, pallor, shortness of breath).
D. A rash is generally not a typical sign of a sickle cell crisis or acute complication. While infections may cause rashes, not all rashes require urgent intervention in a child with SCD.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This is more characteristic of thalassemia major, where extramedullary hematopoiesis occurs in the facial bones and skull due to chronic severe anemia. Sickle-cell anemia does not typically cause this finding.
B. Skin depigmentation is not a typical manifestation of sickle-cell anemia. Skin changes may occur secondary to ischemia (ulcers) or infection, but generalized depigmentation is unrelated.
C. Children with SCA may experience delayed growth and short stature due to chronic anemia, poor oxygenation, and nutritional deficits, not increased growth.
D. Mild jaundice (yellowing of the sclera) is a common finding in sickle-cell anemia due to chronic hemolysis. Destruction of sickled red blood cells releases bilirubin, which can accumulate in the skin and eyes, leading to scleral icterus. This is a hallmark clinical indicator of ongoing hemolysis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The child is exhibiting signs of possible compartment syndrome, a medical emergency. Key indicators include unrelieved pain despite analgesics, inability to move fingers, and persistent crying, which may signal nerve or vascular compromise. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to prevent permanent nerve or tissue damage. The nurse should instruct the mother to seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting.
B. While ice can help reduce swelling in minor injuries, it is not sufficient for managing potential compartment syndrome. Delaying emergency evaluation could worsen tissue damage and lead to permanent functional loss.
C. Fatigue management does not address the acute, serious risk of neurovascular compromise in this situation. This advice would not resolve the underlying problem.
D. Waiting is unsafe because persistent pain and inability to move the fingers are red flags for compartment syndrome
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