Author Question: An assessment of a 7-month-old infant with a hemoglobin level of 6.5 mg/dL is likely to reveal which ... (Read 28 times)

bclement10 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

An assessment of a 7-month-old infant with a hemoglobin level of 6.5 mg/dL is likely to reveal which of the following?

a. An infant who is lethargic, pale, and irritable
b. An infant who is thin, energetic, and sleeps little
c. An infant who is anorexic, vomiting, and has watery stools
d. An infant who is flushed, fussy, and tired

Question 2

What is the best response to a parent who asks the nurse whether her 5-month-old infant can have cow's milk?

a. You need to wait until she is 8 months old and eating solids well..
b. Yes, if you think that she will eat enough meat to get the iron she needs..
c. Infants younger than 12 months need iron-rich formula to get the iron they need..
d. Try it and see how she tolerates it..

Ksh22 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Pallor, lethargy, irritability, and tachycardia are clinical manifestations of iron-deficiency anemia. Infants with iron-deficiency anemia are not typically thin and energetic but do tend to sleep a lot. Gastrointestinal symptoms are not clinical manifestations associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Although the infant with iron-deficiency anemia may be tired and fussy, pallor, rather than a flushed appearance, is characteristic of a low hemoglobin level.

Answer to Question 2

C
Infants younger than 12 months need iron-fortified formula or breast milk. Infants who drink cow's milk do not get adequate iron and are at risk for iron deficiency anemia. A 5-month-old infant cannot get adequate iron without drinking an iron-fortified formula or taking an iron supplement. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning solid foods at 4 to 6 months of age. Meats are typically introduced in late infancy. Counseling a parent to give a 5-month-old infant cow's milk is inappropriate.