The nurse observes the laboratory studies for a client in the hospital with fatigue, feeling cold all of the time, and hemoglobin of 8.6 g/dL and a hematocrit of 28%. What finding would be an indicator of iron-deficiency anemia?
An increased number of erythrocytes
Erythrocytes that are microcytic and hypochromic
Clustering of platelets with sickled red blood cells
Erythrocytes that are macrocytic and hyperchromic
The Correct Answer is B
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: An increased number of erythrocytes is not indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, which is characterized by reduced red blood cell production due to low iron availability for hemoglobin synthesis. Increased erythrocytes suggest compensatory mechanisms or polycythemia, not the reduced erythropoiesis seen in iron deficiency.
Choice B reason: Microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes are hallmarks of iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron impairs hemoglobin synthesis, leading to smaller (microcytic) and paler (hypochromic) red blood cells. This matches the client’s low hemoglobin and hematocrit, confirming iron deficiency as the cause of the anemia.
Choice C reason: Clustering of platelets with sickled red blood cells is specific to sickle cell anemia, not iron-deficiency anemia. Sickle cell disease involves hemoglobin S, causing cell deformation, not iron deficiency. Platelet clustering is unrelated to the microcytic, hypochromic cells of iron deficiency.
Choice D reason: Macrocytic and hyperchromic erythrocytes suggest megaloblastic anemia, typically from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, not iron deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia produces microcytic, hypochromic cells due to impaired hemoglobin synthesis, making macrocytic, hyperchromic cells inconsistent with the client’s laboratory findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: Aspiration precautions are important in head injury to prevent pneumonia, particularly if consciousness is impaired, but they are not specific seizure prophylactic measures. Seizures require anticonvulsants to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability, making aspiration precautions a secondary concern unrelated to seizure prevention.
Choice B reason: Anticonvulsant medications, initiated early (e.g., day two), are standard for seizure prophylaxis in head injury. Trauma can cause cortical irritation, increasing seizure risk. Drugs like levetiracetam stabilize neuronal activity, preventing seizures, which could worsen brain injury or ICP, making this the primary measure.
Choice C reason: Intubation and ventilator support are used for severe head injuries with compromised airway or breathing but are not seizure prophylaxis. Seizures are managed with anticonvulsants, as mechanical ventilation does not address neuronal excitability, making this inappropriate for seizure prevention.
Choice D reason: Antiemetic medications manage nausea but are not seizure prophylactic measures. While vomiting may occur post-head injury, it does not prevent seizures, which result from cortical irritability. Anticonvulsants directly target seizure risk, making antiemetics irrelevant to this specific intervention goal.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: Neurologic function must be monitored in SIADH, as excessive water retention causes hyponatremia, which can lead to cerebral edema, seizures, or altered mental status. Tricyclic antidepressants may exacerbate SIADH by stimulating ADH release, making neurologic assessment critical to detect complications like confusion or seizures early.
Choice B reason: Strict intake and output monitoring is essential in SIADH to manage fluid overload. Excessive ADH causes water retention, and tracking fluid balance helps guide fluid restriction therapy to correct hyponatremia. This ensures the nurse can assess the effectiveness of interventions and prevent worsening fluid accumulation.
Choice C reason: Liver function tests are not directly relevant to SIADH management. While tricyclic antidepressants can affect liver function, SIADH primarily involves water retention and hyponatremia, not hepatic issues. Monitoring liver function is more relevant for drug toxicity, not the fluid and electrolyte imbalances of SIADH.
Choice D reason: Signs of dehydration are not a concern in SIADH, which causes water retention and fluid overload. Dehydration is more typical of diabetes insipidus, where water loss occurs. In SIADH, the focus is on preventing excessive fluid accumulation, making dehydration monitoring unnecessary in this context.
Choice E reason: Urine and blood chemistry, including sodium and osmolality, are critical in SIADH to monitor hyponatremia and fluid status. Elevated urine osmolality and low serum sodium indicate ongoing ADH excess. Regular monitoring guides fluid restriction and therapy to correct electrolyte imbalances and prevent complications like cerebral edema.
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