ANEMIA

Question 1

what does an iron deficiency result in?

Answer 1

iron deficiency results in decreased H&H levels because iron is required for the production of hemoglobin

Question 2

what are clinical manifestations of anemia in a patient?

Answer 2

1. excessive intake of cow’s milk in toddlers
2. tachycardia
3. pallor and porcelain like skin
4. brittle, spoon shaped fingernails
5. fatigue and irritability

Question 3

what is important information to know about iron supplements before giving them to a child?

Answer 3

1. give at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after milk or antacids
2. give on an empty stomach if possible and with vitamin C to help increase absorption
3. use a straw with liquid preparations and brush teeth after to prevent staining of the teeth
4. use Z track method and do not massage after injection

Question 4

what can the nurse teach parents with a child who has anemia?

Answer 4

1. diarrhea, constipation, and nausea can occur at the start of therapy and goes away on its own
2. iron supplements will turn poop tarry green which is a GOOD sign
3. limit milk formula intake to 32 oz or 960 mL daily
4. no ice should be given

Question 5

what are foods rich in iron?

Answer 5

iron fortified cereal, formula, breads, and flour, dried beans, PB, GLV, poultry, and red meats

Question 6

what are clinical manifestations of a vaso-occlusive crisis?

Answer 6

1. severe pain, usually in bones, joints, and abdomen due to lack of blood flow and swollen joints, hands, and feet
2. obstructive jaundice
3. visual disturbances

Question 7

what is sequestration?

Answer 7

excessive pooling of the blood primarily in the spleen (splenomegaly) and sometimes in the liver (hepatomegaly)

Question 8

what can sequestration lead too?

Answer 8

the pooling of the blood can lead to hypovolemic shock due to reduced circulating blood volume

Question 9

what is aplastic crisis?

Answer 9

extreme anemia as a result of decreased RBC production

Question 10

what causes aplastic crisis?

Answer 10

typically triggered by an infection with a virus

Question 11

what are nursing care interventions to follow when taking care of a patient with sickle cell crisis?

Answer 11

1. promote rest to decrease oxygen consumption
2. oxygen as prescribed
3. administer IV fluids with electrolyte replacement
4. apply warmth to help promote vasodilation to painful joints

Question 12

what are complications of sickle cell anemia?

Answer 12

cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and acute chest syndrome

Question 13

what are clinical manifestations of cerebrovascular accident?

Answer 13

1. abnormal behavior
2. weakness
3. slurred speech

Question 14

how can the nurse help prevent a cerebrovascular accident from occuring?

Answer 14

blood transfusions are performed every 3-4 weeks to prevent a repeat incident

Question 15

how can a nurse help assess a patient for CVA?

Answer 15

assess by transcranial doppler

Question 16

what are clinical manifestations of acute chest syndrome?

Answer 16

1. chest, back or abdominal pain
2. fever greater than 101.3 F
3. cough and retractions
4. tachypnea/dyspnea