Several blood tests are ordered for a preschool child with severe ...

[Alygatorr01285]

Several blood tests are ordered for a preschool child with severe anemia. The child is crying and upset because of memories of the venipuncture done at the clinic 2 days ago. The nurse should explain:
 
  a. venipuncture discomfort is very brief.
  b. only one venipuncture will be needed.
  c. topical application of local anesthetic can eliminate venipuncture pain.
  d. most blood tests on children require only a finger puncture because a small amount of blood is needed.

Question 2

Which child should the nurse document as being anemic?
 
  a. 7-year-old child with a hemoglobin of 11.5 g/dl
  b. 3-year-old child with a hemoglobin of 12 g/dl
  c. 14-year-old child with a hemoglobin of 10 g/dl
  d. 1-year-old child with a hemoglobin of 13 g/dl

[T4T]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Preschool children are concerned with both pain and the loss of blood. When preparing the child for venipuncture, the nurse will use a topical anesthetic to eliminate any pain. This is a traumatic experience for preschool children. They are concerned about their bodily integrity. A local anesthetic should be used, and a bandage should be applied to maintain bodily integrity. The nurse should not promise one attempt in case multiple attempts are required. Both finger punctures and venipunctures are traumatic for children. Both require preparation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells, or hemoglobin concentration, is reduced below the normal values for age. Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level below 10 or 11 g/dl. The child with a hemoglobin of 10 g/dl would be considered anemic. The normal hemoglobin for a child after 2 years of age is 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl.

[Alygatorr01285]

Excellent

[smrtceo]

TYSM