Author Question: A child with severe anemia requires a unit of red blood cells (RBCs). The nurse explains to the ... (Read 61 times)

cdr_15 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A child with severe anemia requires a unit of red blood cells (RBCs). The nurse explains to the child that the transfusion is necessary for which reason?

a. Allow her parents to come visit her.
b. Fight the infection that she now has.
c. Increase her energy so she will not be so tired.
d. Help her body stop bleeding by forming a clot (scab).

Question 2

A mother states that she brought her child to the clinic because the 3-year-old girl was not keeping up with her siblings. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the child has pale skin and conjunctiva and has muscle weakness.

The hemoglobin on admission is 6.4 g/dl. After notifying the practitioner of the results, what nursing priority intervention should occur next?
a. Reduce environmental stimulation to prevent seizures.
b. Have the laboratory repeat the analysis with a new specimen.
c. Minimize energy expenditure to decrease cardiac workload.
d. Administer intravenous fluids to correct the dehydration.

aliotak · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The indication for RBC transfusion is risk of cardiac decompensation. When the number of circulating RBCs is increased, tissue hypoxia decreases, cardiac function is improved, and the child will have more energy. Parental visiting is not dependent on transfusion. The decrease in tissue hypoxia will minimize the risk of infection. There is no evidence that the child is currently infected. Forming a clot is the function of platelets.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The child has a critically low hemoglobin value. The expected range is 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl. When the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood decreases slowly, the child is able to compensate by increasing cardiac output. With the increasing workload of the heart, additional stress can lead to cardiac failure. Reduction of environmental stimulation can help minimize energy expenditure, but seizures are not a risk. A repeat hemoglobin analysis is not necessary. The child does not have evidence of dehydration. If intravenous fluids are given, they can further dilute the circulating blood volume and increase the strain on the heart.