Which statement best describes -thalassemia major (Cooley's ...

[mspears3]

Which statement best describes -thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia)?
 
  a. All formed elements of the blood are depressed.
  b. Inadequate numbers of red blood cells are present.
  c. Increased incidence occurs in families of Mediterranean extraction.
  d. Increased incidence occurs in persons of West African descent.

Question 2

A school-age child is admitted in vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. The child's care should include:
 
  a. Correction of acidosis.
  b. Adequate hydration and pain management.
  c. Pain management and administration of heparin.
  d. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII.

[flannelavenger]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Individuals who live near the Mediterranean Sea and their descendants have the highest incidence of thalassemia. An overproduction of red cells occurs. Although numerous, the red cells are relatively unstable. Sickle cell disease is common in blacks of West African descent.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The management of crises includes adequate hydration, minimizing energy expenditures, pain management, electrolyte replacement, and blood component therapy if indicated. The acidosis will be corrected as the crisis is treated. Heparin and factor VIII are not indicated in the treatment of vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. Oxygen may prevent further sickling, but it is not effective in reversing sickling because it cannot reach the clogged blood vessels.

[mspears3]

Excellent

[strudel15]

TYSM