Which collaborative problem will the nurse include in a care plan for a patient admitted to the hospital with idiopathic aplastic anemia?
- A. Potential complication: seizures
- B. Potential complication: infection
- C. Potential complication: neurogenic shock
- D. Potential complication: pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potential complication: infection. Patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia have pancytopenia, which puts them at a high risk for infections due to decreased production of all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Infection is a significant concern in these patients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because seizures, neurogenic shock, and pulmonary edema are not typically associated with idiopathic aplastic anemia. While seizures can occur in some conditions that affect the brain, neurogenic shock is related to spinal cord injury, and pulmonary edema is more commonly seen in conditions like heart failure.
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A healthcare provider reviews the laboratory data for an older patient. The healthcare provider would be most concerned about which finding?
- A. Hematocrit of 35%
- B. Hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL
- C. Platelet count of 400,000/μL
- D. White blood cell (WBC) count of 2800/μL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low white blood cell (WBC) count in an older patient is concerning as it indicates a potential compromise in the patient's immune function. White blood cells are crucial for fighting infections and a low count could lead to an increased risk of infections. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count are important parameters to assess, but a low WBC count takes priority in this case due to its direct impact on immune health.
A 62-year-old man with chronic anemia is experiencing increased fatigue and occasional palpitations at rest. The nurse would expect the patient's laboratory test findings to include
- A. an RBC count of 4,500,000/μL.
- B. a hematocrit (Hct) value of 38%.
- C. normal red blood cell (RBC) indices.
- D. a hemoglobin (Hgb) of 8.6 g/dL.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In chronic anemia, the hematocrit (Hct) value is a crucial indicator of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit value of 38% indicates a lower than normal level of red blood cells, which aligns with the patient's symptoms of fatigue and palpitations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a low RBC count, normal RBC indices, and a hemoglobin level of 8.6 g/dL do not specifically address the decreased red blood cell mass associated with chronic anemia.
Which patient requires the most rapid assessment and care by the emergency department nurse?
- A. The patient with hemochromatosis who reports abdominal pain
- B. The patient with neutropenia who has a temperature of 101.8°F
- C. The patient with thrombocytopenia who has oozing gums after a tooth extraction
- D. The patient with sickle cell anemia who has had nausea and diarrhea for 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a neutropenic patient with a fever is at high risk for developing sepsis. Sepsis can progress rapidly and lead to life-threatening complications. Immediate assessment, obtaining cultures, and initiating antibiotic therapy are essential in this situation. Choices A, C, and D do not present with the same level of urgency as a neutropenic patient with a fever. Abdominal pain in a hemochromatosis patient, oozing gums after a tooth extraction in a thrombocytopenic patient, and nausea and diarrhea in a patient with sickle cell anemia, while concerning, do not indicate the same immediate risk of sepsis as a neutropenic patient with a fever.
Which menu choice indicates that the patient understands the nurse's teaching about recommended dietary choices for iron-deficiency anemia?
- A. Omelet and whole wheat toast
- B. Cantaloupe and cottage cheese
- C. Strawberry and banana fruit plate
- D. Cornmeal muffin and orange juice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Cornmeal muffin and orange juice." Cornmeal muffin is a good source of iron, which is beneficial for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the need for iron-rich foods, making them less suitable for someone with iron-deficiency anemia. Omelet and whole wheat toast (Choice A) may provide some iron but are not as focused on addressing the specific deficiency. Cantaloupe and cottage cheese (Choice B) and strawberry and banana fruit plate (Choice C) are more general fruit choices and do not emphasize iron-rich options.
Which task for a patient with neutropenia is appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
- A. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of infection
- B. Teaching the patient the purpose of neutropenic precautions
- C. Administering subcutaneous filgrastim (Neupogen) injection
- D. Developing a discharge teaching plan for the patient and family
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because administering subcutaneous medications falls within the education and scope of practice of an LPN/LVN. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of infection, teaching the patient, and developing a discharge plan are tasks that require an RN level of education and scope of practice. LPN/LVNs can assist in patient care, but tasks that involve assessment, teaching, and care planning are typically the responsibility of an RN.