Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

Review Pediatric NCLEX Questions related questions and content

A patient is admitted with a 2-month history of fatigue, SOB, pallor, and dizziness. The patient is diagnosed with idiopathic autoimmune haemolytic anemia. On reviewing the laboratory results, the nurse notes which of the following that confirms this diagnosis?

  • A. RBC fragments
  • B. Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs
  • C. Macrocytic, normochromic RBCs
  • D. Hemoglobin molecules
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In patients with idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys its own red blood cells (RBCs). When the red blood cells are destroyed, they can break apart, leading to the presence of fragmented RBCs, also known as schistocytes or red cell fragments, in the peripheral blood. The presence of RBC fragments is a characteristic finding in this type of hemolytic anemia and helps confirm the diagnosis.