The parents of an infant diagnosed with sickle-cell disease ask, ...

[JMatthes]

The parents of an infant diagnosed with sickle-cell disease ask, How did our child get this disease? Neither one of us has it. Which should the nurse consider when responding to the parents?
 
  1. The father is not the biologic father of the infant.
  2. The mother of the child has the trait, but the father does not.
  3. The father of the child has the trait, but the mother does not.
  4. The mother and the father of the child have the sickle-cell trait.

Question 2

Which parental statement indicates correct understanding of information presented regarding the treatment for infant anemia?
 
  1. We will add green leafy vegetables to our child's low-iron formula.
  2. We will discontinue the use of vitamin C supplements by 6 months of age.
  3. We will begin an iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age.
  4. We will introduce cow's milk by 6 months of age.

[xMRAZ]

Answer to Question 1

4
Explanation:
1. There is no indication that the father is not the actual parent. Both parents could be carriers of the disorder but unaware of their status.
2. Both parents must have the trait for the child to have a 25 chance of having this disease.
3. Both parents must have the trait for the child to have a 25 chance of having this disease.
4. Sickle-cell disease is an autosomal recessive disorder; both parents must have the trait in order for a child to have a 25 chance of having this disease.

Answer to Question 2

3
Explanation:
1. The infant's maternal iron stores are depleted by 6 months. Infants who are not breastfed should get iron-fortified formula. Green leafy vegetables, while iron fortified, are not appropriate for the infant.
2. Vitamin C should be started at 6 to 9 months of age and continued because foods rich in vitamin C improve iron absorption.
3. Starting iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age is recommended for prevention of iron deficiency in children.
4. Cow's milk should not be introduced until 12 months of age.