Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Hematologic or Immunologic Dysfunction Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Hematologic or Immunologic Dysfunction related questions and content

A mother states that she brought her child to the clinic because the 3-year-old girl was not keeping up with her siblings. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the child has pale skin and conjunctiva and has muscle weakness. The hemoglobin on admission is 6.4 g/dl. After notifying the practitioner of the results, what nursing priority intervention should occur next?

  • A. Reduce environmental stimulation to prevent seizures.
  • B. Have the laboratory repeat the analysis with a new specimen.
  • C. Minimize energy expenditure to decrease cardiac workload.
  • D. Administer intravenous fluids to correct the dehydration.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A hemoglobin of 6.4 g/dl (normal 11.5-15.5 g/dl) indicates severe anemia, increasing cardiac workload to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery. Minimizing energy expenditure reduces cardiac strain. Seizures aren?t a risk, repeat testing is unnecessary, and dehydration isn?t evident.