The nurse is caring for an older adult who is confused and restless. The nurse reviews the patient's history and recent complete blood count (CBC). Which finding may best explain the patient's confusion and restlessness?
Decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin.
Increased erythrocyte count
Normochromic red blood cells
Decreased thrombocytes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin indicate anemia, which is a condition where the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the tissues. This can cause symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, fatigue, and weakness in older adults.
Choice B reason: Increased erythrocyte count, or polycythemia, is a condition where the blood has too many red blood cells. This can cause the blood to become thick and viscous, which can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery. However, this is not the best explanation for the patient's confusion and restlessness, as polycythemia usually causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, itching, and flushing.
Choice C reason: Normochromic red blood cells are red blood cells that have a normal color and hemoglobin content. This is not a finding that would explain the patient's confusion and restlessness, as it indicates a normal red blood cell function.
Choice D reason: Decreased thrombocytes, or platelets, are blood cells that help with clotting. This is a finding that would increase the risk of bleeding, but not the risk of confusion and restlessness. Decreased thrombocytes can cause symptoms such as bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and petechiae.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diabetes mellitus Type 1 is a condition that affects the pancreas and the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as infections, ulcers, and nerve damage.
Choice B reason: Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels and the circulation of blood to the limbs. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as clots, wounds, and gangrene.
Choice C reason: Chronic kidney disease is a condition that affects the kidneys and their function of filtering waste and fluids from the blood. It can cause anemia by reducing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Choice D reason: Hypertension is a condition that affects the blood pressure and the force of blood against the artery walls. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging intake of favorite foods to increase weight and promote normal growth is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can affect the child's nutritional status and growth. However, these effects can be managed with antiemetics, supplements, and small frequent meals.
Choice B reason: Utilizing approaches to minimize risk of infection and bleeding episodes is the priority nursing goal for a child with leukemia. Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow suppression, which reduces the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This increases the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child's blood counts, vital signs, and signs of infection or bleeding, and implement preventive measures such as hand hygiene, isolation, and transfusions.
Choice C reason: Providing age-appropriate activities to promote optimum cognitive and motor skills development is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, weakness, and neuropathy, which can affect the child's physical and mental abilities. However, these effects can be managed with rest, pain relief, and stimulation.
Choice D reason: Providing emotional support for the child and family members that relieve stress is an important nursing goal for a child with leukemia, but it is not the priority. Chemotherapy can cause anxiety, depression, and fear, which can affect the child's psychological and emotional well-being. However, these effects can be managed with counseling, education, and coping strategies.
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