Correct Answers.
The nurse reviews the laboratory test results for a patient with upper gastrointestinal
bleeding and notes that the hemoglobin level is 8.7 g/dL and the hematocrit is 26%. The
nurse should place highest priority on initiating interventions that will reduce which
symptom?
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
Constipation - Correct Answer Dizziness
The patient with a low hemoglobin and hematocrit (normal values 13.5% to 17% and 40%
to 54%, respectively, for males) is anemic and would be most likely to experience fatigue
and dizziness. This symptom develops because of the lowered oxygen-carrying capacity
that leads to reduced tissue oxygenation to carry out cellular functions. Constipation,
nausea, and headache are not associated with decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit
levels.
p. 607
The nurse recalls that hemolytic anemia can be caused by which extrinsic factors?
Infectious agent
Enzyme deficiency
Sickle cell disease
,Membrane abnormalities - Correct Answer Infectious agent
Infectious agents, such as malaria, are c extrinsic factors that can lead to acquired
hemolytic anemias. Membrane abnormalities, such as paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria, cause increased RBC destruction and are hereditary (intrinsic) factors,
Abnormal hemoglobin, such as sickle cell disease, and enzyme deficiencies are intrinsic
factors that lead to hereditary (intrinsic) hemolytic anemias.
p. 607
A patient's laboratory report reveals a hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 11 g/dL. The nurse
expects to observe which clinical manifestation?
Glossitis
Palpitations
Dyspnea at rest
Roaring in the ears - Correct Answer Palpitations
An Hgb range of 10 to 12 g/dL indicates mild anemia. Therefore the patient with an Hgb of
11 g/dL may experience palpitations. Glossitis is one of the manifestations of severe
anemia in which the patient would have an Hgb level below 6 g/dL. Exertional dyspnea is
seen in patients with mild anemia. However, dyspnea at rest is a manifestation of severe
anemia. Roaring in the ears is seen in patients with moderate anemia whose Hgb values
range between 6 and 10 g/dL.
p. 607
To prepare for a patient's transfusion of packed red blood cells, the nurse should select
which intravenous solution to use for the procedure?
, 3% normal saline
Lactated Ringer's
5% dextrose in water
0.9% normal saline - Correct Answer 0.9% normal saline
The blood set should be primed before the transfusion with 0.9% sodium chloride, also
known as normal saline. It is also used to flush the blood tubing after the infusion is
complete to ensure the patient receives blood that is left in the tubing when the bag is
empty. Lactated Ringer's, 5% dextrose in water, and 3% normal saline are not compatible
with blood products.
p. 648
A patient is prescribed oral iron for the treatment of anemia. The nurse should instruct the
patient about what side effects?
Anorexia
Red stools
Heartburn
Black stools
Constipation - Correct Answer Heartburn
Black stools
Constipation