The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female patient with sickle ...

[yoooooman]

The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female patient with sickle cell trait. Which statement accurately reflects this patient's condition?
 
  a. The condition will evolve into sickle cell anemia as she ages.
  b. All of her children will have sickle cell anemia.
  c. The trait will be transmitted to male children only.
  d. The trait can be passed on to all children.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. The nurse should carefully monitor the patient for which potential problem?
 
  a. Excessive urinary output
  b. Abdominal distention
  c. Increased reflexes
  d. Hyperactive bowel sounds

[kescobar@64]

Answer to Question 1

D
A person who has the trait can pass it on to male or female children, even if there are no symp-toms. Fifty percent of the patient's total hemoglobin may be affected. Age does not increase the chance of the trait evolving into the disease.

Answer to Question 2

B
A potassium level lower than 3.5 mEq/L results in reduced urine output, cardiac dysrhythmia, muscle weakness, abdominal pain and distention, paralytic ileus, lethargy, and confusion.