RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

A child newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is being discharged from the hospital. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the parents prior to discharge?

  • A. Nutritional guidelines to support blood health
  • B. Signs of infection to monitor for
  • C. When to give pain medication
  • D. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Proper hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell anemia (SCA) as it helps prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduces blood viscosity, which can lead to painful crises. Ensuring the child drinks enough fluids is essential to maintain adequate hydration levels and reduce the risk of complications. While nutritional guidelines and recognizing signs of infection are important aspects of care, maintaining proper hydration is the most immediate and critical factor in managing SCA and preventing crises.