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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a child who has sickle cell anemia and is experiencing a vasoocclusive crisis. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Weight gain
Weight gain:Weight gain is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In fact, individuals may experience dehydration and weight loss due to increased metabolic demands during a crisis.
B. Bradypnea
Bradypnea:Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a characteristic feature of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Respiratory rate may be normal or increased due to pain or compensatory mechanisms.
C. Pain
Pain: This is the correct option. Pain is the hallmark manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. The pain can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly affects the bones, joints, abdomen, and chest. The severity of pain can vary from mild to severe and may require hospitalization for pain management.
D. Diarrhea
Diarrhea:Diarrhea is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea may occur, but diarrhea is not a common manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis.
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Full Explanation
A. Weight gain:
Weight gain is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In fact, individuals may experience dehydration and weight loss due to increased metabolic demands during a crisis.
B. Bradypnea:
Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a characteristic feature of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Respiratory rate may be normal or increased due to pain or compensatory mechanisms.
C. Pain:
This is the correct option. Pain is the hallmark manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. The pain can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly affects the bones, joints, abdomen, and chest. The severity of pain can vary from mild to severe and may require hospitalization for pain management.
D. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea may occur, but diarrhea is not a common manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids.
Initiate an infusion of IV fluids:Administering IV fluids may be necessary to maintain hydration and support circulation, but it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus. In this acute situation, the priority is to address airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
B. Obtain a blood specimen for ABG analysis.
Obtain a blood specimen for ABG analysis:Obtaining arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis can provide valuable information about the child's respiratory status, including oxygenation and acid-base balance. However, it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus.
C. Administer a dose of an IV corticosteroid.
Administer a dose of an IV corticosteroid: Administering systemic corticosteroids (such as IV hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone) is a crucial intervention in managing status asthmaticus to reduce airway inflammation and improve respiratory function. However, it is not the first action to take.
D. Apply humidified oxygen.
Apply humidified oxygen:This is the correct action to take first. Applying humidified oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieve bronchospasm by providing supplemental oxygen to the child's lungs. Oxygen therapy is essential in managing respiratory distress associated with status asthmaticus and should be initiated promptly.
Full Explanation
A. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids:
Administering IV fluids may be necessary to maintain hydration and support circulation, but it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus. In this acute situation, the priority is to address airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
B. Obtain a blood specimen for ABG analysis:
Obtaining arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis can provide valuable information about the child's respiratory status, including oxygenation and acid-base balance. However, it is not the first action to take in managing status asthmaticus.
C. Administer a dose of an IV corticosteroid:
Administering systemic corticosteroids (such as IV hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone) is a crucial intervention in managing status asthmaticus to reduce airway inflammation and improve respiratory function. However, it is not the first action to take.
D. Apply humidified oxygen:
This is the correct action to take first. Applying humidified oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieve bronchospasm by providing supplemental oxygen to the child's lungs. Oxygen therapy is essential in managing respiratory distress associated with status asthmaticus and should be initiated promptly.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 6-month-old infant following a surgical procedure to repair a hypospadias. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "Apply a dry gauze dressing twice per day."
"Apply a dry gauze dressing twice per day."This instruction may not be necessary for a hypospadias repair procedure. Typically, the surgical site will have a dressing applied immediately after the surgery, but ongoing dressing changes may not be required once the infant is discharged. It's essential to follow the specific postoperative care plan provided by the healthcare provider.
B. "Perform hourly measurements of the infant's urinary output."
"Perform hourly measurements of the infant's urinary output."Hourly measurements of urinary output may not be necessary unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider due to concerns such as urinary retention or dehydration. However, regular monitoring of urinary output as part of routine care may be appropriate.
C. "Offer the infant 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily."
"Offer the infant 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily." Offering 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily to a 6-month-old infant is not recommended. Introduction of fruit juice should be gradual and in small amounts, following guidance from healthcare providers and infant nutrition guidelines. Excessive fruit juice consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be suitable for all infants.
D. "Avoid giving the infant a tub bath until the stent is removed."
"Avoid giving the infant a tub bath until the stent is removed."This instruction is appropriate. After hypospadias repair surgery, a stent or catheter may be placed to aid in healing and ensure proper urine drainage. It's essential to follow healthcare provider instructions regarding bathing and hygiene to minimize the risk of infection and to ensure the stent remains in place until it is ready to be removed.
Full Explanation
A. "Apply a dry gauze dressing twice per day."
This instruction may not be necessary for a hypospadias repair procedure. Typically, the surgical site will have a dressing applied immediately after the surgery, but ongoing dressing changes may not be required once the infant is discharged. It's essential to follow the specific postoperative care plan provided by the healthcare provider.
B. "Perform hourly measurements of the infant's urinary output."
Hourly measurements of urinary output may not be necessary unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider due to concerns such as urinary retention or dehydration. However, regular monitoring of urinary output as part of routine care may be appropriate.
C. "Offer the infant 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily."
Offering 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily to a 6-month-old infant is not recommended. Introduction of fruit juice should be gradual and in small amounts, following guidance from healthcare providers and infant nutrition guidelines. Excessive fruit juice consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be suitable for all infants.
D. "Avoid giving the infant a tub bath until the stent is removed."
This instruction is appropriate. After hypospadias repair surgery, a stent or catheter may be placed to aid in healing and ensure proper urine drainage. It's essential to follow healthcare provider instructions regarding bathing and hygiene to minimize the risk of infection and to ensure the stent remains in place until it is ready to be removed.
A nurse is instilling otic drops into an 18-month-old child's ears. Which of the following methods should the nurse use?
A. Pull the pinna down and back.
Pull the pinna down and back: This technique is appropriate for administering otic drops to an infant or young child. By gently pulling the pinna (outer ear) down and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more effectively.
B. Insert the dropper into the ear canal.
Insert the dropper into the ear canal: This option is incorrect. It is essential not to insert the dropper directly into the ear canal, especially in young children, to prevent injury to the ear drum or ear canal.
C. Administer the ear drops at 5.5° C (42° F).
Administer the ear drops at 5.5°C (42°F): The temperature at which the ear drops are administered is not typically specified in practice. Room temperature drops are generally recommended for patient comfort, but they do not need to be at a specific temperature.
D. Massage the area behind the ear.
Massage the area behind the ear: Massaging the area behind the ear after administering otic drops can help distribute the medication within the ear canal. However, it is essential to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding post-administration care.
Full Explanation
A. Pull the pinna down and back: This technique is appropriate for administering otic drops to an infant or young child. By gently pulling the pinna (outer ear) down and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more effectively.
B. Insert the dropper into the ear canal: This option is incorrect. It is essential not to insert the dropper directly into the ear canal, especially in young children, to prevent injury to the ear drum or ear canal.
C. Administer the ear drops at 5.5°C (42°F): The temperature at which the ear drops are administered is not typically specified in practice. Room temperature drops are generally recommended for patient comfort, but they do not need to be at a specific temperature.
D. Massage the area behind the ear: Massaging the area behind the ear after administering otic drops can help distribute the medication within the ear canal. However, it is essential to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding post-administration care.