The nurse is caring for a client who is thought to have pernicious anemia. What signs and symptoms would the nurse expect in this person?
- A. Easy bruising
- B. Beefy-red tongue
- C. Fine red rash on the extremities
- D. Pruritus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A beefy-red tongue is a hallmark symptom of pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
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The nurse is collecting data from the client undergoing testing for possible basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Which information in the client’s health history should the nurse identify as risk factors for BCC?
- A. Taking immune-suppressing medications
- B. 10-pack-year history of cigarette smoking
- C. Has fair skin color, red hair, and blue eyes
- D. Had bone exposure to high radon gas levels
- E. Works as a laborer in road construction
Correct Answer: A, C, E
Rationale: Immune-suppressing drugs weaken the immune system, and cellular changes can occur more aggressively. B. Smoking history is a risk factor for lung cancer, not BCC. C. Persons with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes have a higher risk for BCC due to the ease of sunburn with sun exposure if the skin is not protected. D. Exposure to indoor radon gas is a risk factor for lung cancer, not BCC. Radon is a radioactive colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert gas. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. E. Frequent participation in outdoor activities with exposure to sunlight is a risk for BCC due to the damage caused by UV light. UV light damages DNA.
The client is symptomatic with a Hgb of 7.8 g/dL, but refuses blood and blood products transfusions for religious reasons. The nurse should prepare the client that the HCP may prescribe which alternatives?
- A. Epoetin alfa
- B. Folic acid
- C. Albumin
- D. Platelets
- E. Fresh frozen plasma
- F. Granulocytes
Correct Answer: A, B,
Rationale: Epoetin alfa (erythropoietin growth factor; Procrit) promotes erythropoiesis (production of RBCs), thus decreasing the need for transfusions. B. Folic acid promotes erythropoiesis and production of WBCs and platelets. C. Albumin is a blood product. D. Platelets are blood products. E. Plasma is a blood product. F. Granulocytes are blood products.
The client diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed ferrous gluconate orally. Which should the nurse teach the client?
- A. Take Imodium, an antidiarrheal, over-the-counter (OTC) for diarrhea.
- B. Limit exercise for several weeks until a tolerance is achieved.
- C. The stools may be very dark, and this can mask blood.
- D. Eat only red meats and organ meats for protein.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ferrous gluconate darkens stools (C), potentially masking GI bleeding. Imodium (A) is premature, exercise (B) is encouraged, and diet (D) should be varied, not meat-only.
The client is diagnosed with polycythemia vera. The nurse would prepare to perform which intervention?
- A. Type and crossmatch for a transfusion.
- B. Assess for petechiae and purpura.
- C. Perform phlebotomy of 500 mL of blood.
- D. Monitor for low hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Polycythemia vera requires phlebotomy (C) to reduce blood viscosity. Transfusions (A) worsen hyperviscosity, petechiae (B) are for thrombocytopenia, and Hb/Hct (D) are elevated.
The client with a primary diagnosis of liver cancer with metastases to the lung is hospitalized with severe dyspnea. The nurse is preparing the client for radiation of the upper chest. Which nursing conclusion about the purpose of radiation therapy for this client is correct?
- A. Radiation therapy is used to cure and control liver cancer.
- B. Radiation therapy is used to prevent future cancer development.
- C. Radiation therapy is used to cure and control lung cancer.
- D. Radiation therapy is used to prevent or relieve distressing symptoms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Radiation of the upper chest would have no effect on the liver located in the abdominal cavity. B. Preventing future cancer development is not the intention of radiation therapy for this client. C. Radiation therapy reduces size of tumors but would not be expected to cure cancer in this client. D. Primary liver tumors commonly metastasize to the lung, which can cause obstructive symptoms. In this client, radiation therapy to the lung would be used as a palliative care modality to help relieve distressing symptoms such as dyspnea.