Author Question: A child has mild anemia and the parent asks why this makes the child have difficulty concentrating. ... (Read 58 times)

shofmannx20 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A child has mild anemia and the parent asks why this makes the child have difficulty concentrating. What response by the nurse is best?

A.
All sick children have trouble concentrating.
B.
Her anemia makes her too tired to think.
C.
She may have another problem with her brain.
D.
The brain isn't getting enough oxygen.

Question 2

A 2-year-old child's hemoglobin is 8.2 g/dL. What action by the nurse is best?

A.
Ask the parents about activity level.
B.
Document findings in the chart.
C.
Notify the provider immediately.
D.
Schedule a re-draw of blood in 6 months.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Anemia leads to decreased oxygenation of body tissues, including the brain. A lowered cerebral oxygen concentration can lead to dizziness and difficulty concentrating. Stating that all sick children have this problem is inaccurate and vague. The child may be tired, but this answer is also vague and does not really address the question. Describing the possibility of another medical problem is not warranted at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The normal hemoglobin for a child this age is 10.55-12.7 g/dL, so this child is somewhat anemic. The nurse should assess for other manifestations of anemia, including normal activity level. The findings should be documented, but this is not the only action that the nurse should take. The provider needs to be notified, but it does not have to be done immediately, as this is not an emergency. After a full evaluation, the provider may or may not want to repeat the laboratory work in 6 months.