Signs and symptoms of anemia may include which of the following? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Pallor
Fatigue
Dyspnea
Bradycardia
Dizziness
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
A. Pallor is correct because anemia results in reduced red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels, which decreases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Pallor is most noticeable in areas where the skin is thin or highly vascularized, such as the face, conjunctiva, lips, nail beds, and mucous membranes. This is a classic and often early sign of anemia.
B. Fatigue is correct because tissues and organs receive less oxygen, which is necessary for cellular metabolism and energy production. The reduced oxygen delivery leads to muscle weakness, low endurance, and a persistent feeling of tiredness, even after rest. Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of anemia.
C. Dyspnea is correct because the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by increasing respiratory rate and depth. This can cause shortness of breath, especially during exertion or activity, as the lungs attempt to supply more oxygen to the tissues. Chronic anemia can also lead to exertional dyspnea at relatively low levels of activity.
D. Bradycardia is incorrect because anemia typically causes tachycardia, not bradycardia. The heart beats faster to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs when hemoglobin levels are low. Bradycardia would not be a compensatory response to anemia and may indicate a separate cardiac issue.
E. Dizziness is correct because the brain may receive insufficient oxygen, especially during sudden position changes or physical activity, leading to lightheadedness, vertigo, or fainting (syncope). Dizziness is a reflection of the central nervous system’s sensitivity to hypoxia caused by anemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hemolytic is incorrect because hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed prematurely. Causes include autoimmune reactions, certain medications, infections, or inherited RBC defects. Hemolytic anemia affects RBC lifespan rather than their production, and it is not related to vitamin B12 or intrinsic factor deficiency.
B. Aplastic is incorrect because aplastic anemia results from bone marrow failure, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is usually caused by toxins, radiation, medications, or autoimmune mechanisms. The issue in aplastic anemia is inadequate cell production, not impaired vitamin B12 absorption.
C. Iron-deficiency is incorrect because iron-deficiency anemia results from a lack of iron, which is required for hemoglobin synthesis. Iron deficiency produces small, pale red blood cells (microcytic, hypochromic anemia). It does not involve vitamin B12, intrinsic factor, or megaloblastic changes.
D. Pernicious is correct because pernicious anemia is caused by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to the absence of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and allows its absorption in the terminal ileum. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, especially in rapidly dividing cells like red blood cells. Without it, the bone marrow produces megaloblasts—large, immature, dysfunctional red blood cells, which leads to megaloblastic anemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Scattered areas of hypopigmentation of the skin is incorrect because hypopigmentation refers to lightened areas of skin, which are more typical of conditions like vitiligo. Psoriasis lesions are not defined by loss of pigment but by inflammation and thickened plaques.
B. Ruptured vesicles with yellowish-brown crusts is incorrect because this describes impetigo, a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Impetigo presents with vesicles that rupture easily and form characteristic honey-colored crusts. Psoriasis does not involve vesicles or crusting.
C. Silvery scales covering red patches of skin is correct because this is the classic presentation of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis. The lesions consist of well-demarcated, raised, erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales resulting from excessive keratinocyte proliferation and rapid epidermal turnover. Common sites include the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The scales can flake off and may be itchy or painful.
D. Round papules with clear centers scattered over the body is incorrect because this description fits chickenpox (varicella), which presents with vesicular lesions with a clear center. Psoriasis lesions are plaques with scales, not small vesicular papules.
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