Which type of hemolytic anemia is categorized as an inherited disorder?

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Palpating lymph nodes and tonsils is relevant for assessing infections or malignancies but is not a primary intervention for thrombocytopenia. Corticosteroids treat thrombocytopenia by suppressing autoimmune platelet destruction, and the focus is on bleeding prevention, not lymphoid assessment, which is secondary to managing low platelet counts.

Choice B reason: Eliminating aspirin and NSAIDs is critical in thrombocytopenia, as these drugs inhibit platelet function, increasing bleeding risk in patients with low platelet counts. Corticosteroids improve platelet production, but concurrent use of antiplatelet drugs could exacerbate bleeding tendencies, making their elimination a primary nursing intervention.

Choice C reason: Gradually tapering corticosteroids is important to prevent adrenal suppression but is not the primary intervention during initial therapy for thrombocytopenia. The immediate focus is on preventing bleeding complications due to low platelets, with tapering being a later consideration once platelet counts stabilize.

Choice D reason: Examining extremities for redness may detect infection or inflammation but is not the primary intervention for thrombocytopenia. Bleeding risk from low platelets is the main concern, and while redness could indicate complications, eliminating drugs that impair platelet function is more critical to prevent hemorrhage.

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Pale thick skin is not a typical effect of long-term corticosteroid use. Corticosteroids cause skin thinning due to reduced collagen production, leading to fragile, atrophic skin prone to bruising. Thick skin is more associated with conditions like scleroderma, not the catabolic effects of corticosteroids on skin tissue.

Choice B reason: Moon face is a classic sign of long-term corticosteroid use, resulting from fat redistribution to the face due to glucocorticoid-induced lipolysis and lipogenesis. Excess cortisol promotes fat deposition in the face and trunk, creating a rounded facial appearance, a hallmark of Cushing syndrome or iatrogenic corticosteroid effects.

Choice C reason: Weight loss is not expected with long-term corticosteroid use. Corticosteroids increase appetite and promote fat redistribution, leading to weight gain, particularly in the trunk and face. Weight loss may occur in conditions like Addison’s disease, where cortisol is deficient, not in hypercortisolism states.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a common effect of corticosteroids. They can cause fluid retention and increased blood volume due to mineralocorticoid activity, potentially leading to hypertension. Hypotension is more associated with adrenal insufficiency, where cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies reduce vascular tone and fluid balance.