You are preparing a child with sickle cell anemia for discharge after an acute crisis episode. Which of the following instructions is appropriate advice for the care of a child with sickle cell anemia?
Monitor your child’s temperature daily.
Restrict outdoor play to 1 hour per day.
Apply cold compresses when your child expresses pain.
Offer your child fluids frequently to meet their daily fluid goals.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Monitor your child’s temperature daily: Monitoring temperature is important for children with sickle cell anemia as they are prone to infections. A fever can be an early sign of infection, which can be serious for these children. Normal body temperature for children ranges from 36.5°C to 38°C. However, while monitoring temperature is important, it is not the most critical daily advice compared to ensuring adequate hydration.
Choice B Reason:
Restrict outdoor play to 1 hour per day: Limiting outdoor play is not typically necessary unless the child is experiencing extreme fatigue or pain. Physical activity is generally encouraged to maintain overall health, but it should be balanced with rest and hydration. Therefore, this advice is not as crucial as ensuring the child stays hydrated.
Choice C Reason:
Apply cold compresses when your child expresses pain: Cold compresses are not recommended for managing pain in sickle cell anemia. Instead, warm compresses or heating pads are often suggested to help relieve pain by improving blood flow. Cold can cause vasoconstriction, which may worsen pain and complications.
Choice D Reason:
Offer your child fluids frequently to meet their daily fluid goals: Staying well-hydrated is essential for children with sickle cell anemia. Adequate hydration helps prevent sickle cell crises by reducing blood viscosity and promoting better blood flow. This is the most appropriate and critical advice for daily care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Keeping the affected extremity below the level of the heart is not recommended in the management of hemarthrosis in a child with hemophilia A. Elevating the affected limb can help reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and decreasing pressure in the joint.
Choice B Reason:
The use of topical analgesic cream on the painful area is not a primary treatment for hemarthrosis in hemophilia A. While it may provide some temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issue of bleeding within the joint. The primary treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factor.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the parent to call their health care provider to obtain a plan of care is important, but it is not the immediate management step for hemarthrosis. Prompt treatment with clotting factor replacement is crucial to stop the bleeding and prevent joint damage.
Choice D Reason:
Prompt infusion of Factor VIII is the primary treatment for hemarthrosis in a child with hemophilia A. This treatment helps to replace the missing clotting factor, stop the bleeding, and prevent further joint damage. Early intervention is essential to minimize complications and promote healing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Extracellular hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels outside the cells. While hyperglycemia is a common feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is not the direct cause of the condition. DKA occurs when the body cannot use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin, leading to the breakdown of fat and protein for energy, which produces ketones and causes acidosis.
Choice B Reason:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. In fact, DKA is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia is a separate condition that can occur in individuals with diabetes, particularly if they take too much insulin or skip meals.
Choice C Reason:
The use of fat and protein as an energy source is the primary mechanism behind diabetic ketoacidosis. When insulin is deficient, the body cannot utilize glucose for energy. As a result, it breaks down fat and protein to produce energy. This process generates ketones, which are acidic and lead to the development of ketoacidosis.
Choice D Reason:
Increased cellular metabolism of glucose is not related to diabetic ketoacidosis. In DKA, the problem is that cells cannot use glucose effectively due to a lack of insulin. Instead, the body resorts to breaking down fat and protein for energy, leading to the production of ketones and acidosis.
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