Chapter 40: Care of Patients with Hematologic Problems

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A nurse caring for a client with sickle cell disease (SCD) reviews the client’s laboratory work. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider? a. Creatinine: 2.9 mg/dL b. Hematocrit: 30% c. Sodium: 147 mEq/L d. White blood cell count: 12,000/mm3 ANS: A An elevated creatinine indicates kidney damage, which occurs in SCD. A hematocrit level of 30% is an expected finding, as is a slightly elevated white blood cell count. A sodium level of 147 mEq/L, although slightly high, is not concerning. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 801 KEY: Hematologic system| laboratory values| anemias MSC: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation NOT: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential 2. A client hospitalized with sickle cell crisis frequently asks for opioid pain medications, often shortly after receiving a dose. The nurses on the unit believe the client is drug seeking. When the client requests pain medication, what action by the nurse is best? a. Give the client pain medication if it is time for another dose. b. Instruct the client not to request pain medication too early. c. Request the provider leave a prescription for a placebo. d. Tell the client it is too early to have more pain medication. ANS: AClients with sickle cell crisis often have severe pain that is managed with up to 48 hours of IV opioid analgesics. Even if the client is addicted and drug seeking, he or she is still in extreme pain. If the client can receive another dose of medication, the nurse should provide it. The other options are judgmental and do not address the client’s pain. Giving placebos is unethical. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 801 KEY: Hematologic system| anemias| pain| caring MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation NOT: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation