Anemia and Blood Disorders
Which type of anemia is commonly associated with low ferritin and small red blood cells?
Iron-deficiency anemia.
What disease causes reduced bone density and increases the risk of fractures?
Osteoporosis.
Is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily an autoimmune inflammatory disease or a degenerative joint disease?
An autoimmune inflammatory disease.
Which medication or supplement is commonly prescribed to replace iron in iron-deficiency anemia?
Oral iron, such as ferrous sulfate, when appropriate.
A patient develops chills and back pain during a blood transfusion. What should the nurse do first?
Stop the transfusion immediately.
Which vitamin deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia as well as numbness and tingling in the hands or feet?
Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Name two nutrients important for maintaining healthy bones.
Calcium and vitamin D.
What is one major difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?
RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, while OA is primarily a degenerative joint disease involving joint structures such as cartilage.
What vitamin replacement is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 replacement, such as oral cyanocobalamin or intramuscular B12, depending on the cause and treatment plan.
A patient with sickle cell disease reports severe pain. What should the nurse assess, and what treatment should be provided?
Assess pain, vital signs, oxygenation, and possible complications. Provide prescribed pain treatment promptly and address any urgent findings.
What is the name for the condition in which red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all decreased?
Pancytopenia, which can occur in aplastic anemia.
Name two nursing interventions that help prevent fractures in a patient with osteoporosis.
Fall precautions and a safe environment.
Other appropriate answers include assistive devices when needed, adequate lighting, and teaching about safe activity.
What does SLE stand for, and why is it called a systemic disease?
Systemic lupus erythematosus.
It can affect multiple body systems, including the skin, joints, blood, kidneys, and other organs.
What is the purpose of antimicrobial therapy in osteomyelitis?
To treat the bone infection. Treatment may require prolonged antibiotics, selected by the organism and culture results, and sometimes surgery.
A postoperative patient develops new swelling, warmth, and pain in one calf. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Promptly assess and notify the provider; do not massage the leg.
A patient has fatigue, pale skin, a high MCV, and a sore tongue. The patient has no neurologic symptoms. Which two nutritional deficiencies should the nurse consider?
Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency.
Additional assessment and laboratory testing help distinguish them.
A patient taking oral alendronate asks how to take it safely. What should the nurse teach?
Take it with plain water on an empty stomach and remain upright for at least 30 minutes
This reduces esophageal irritation and helps proper administration.
A patient with SLE develops edema, proteinuria, and rising creatinine. What complication is suspected?
Lupus nephritis, or inflammation and damage involving the kidneys.
Which medication class may be used to reduce bone loss and fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate, when appropriate.
A patient with sickle cell disease has chest pain, fever, cough, and low oxygen saturation. What complication is suspected?
Acute chest syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication requiring urgent evaluation.
A patient with aplastic anemia has a very low neutrophil count and develops a fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C). What is the priority concern, and what should the nurse do?
A potentially serious infection.
Promptly assess the patient, notify the provider, and initiate the appropriate febrile-neutropenia protocol.
A patient who had a hip replacement yesterday suddenly develops chest pain and shortness of breath. Which life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
Pulmonary embolism (PE).
Initiate urgent assessment and emergency escalation.
Why are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) important for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
They reduce disease activity and help slow joint damage.
Examples include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine, depending on the patient's treatment plan.
Why must a patient receiving immunosuppressive treatment for SLE or RA report signs of infection promptly?
Immunosuppressive medications can weaken immune defenses and increase the risk of serious infection.
A patient with SLE develops a seizure and new confusion. What is the priority nursing response?
Protect the patient from injury, immediately assess airway and breathing, activate emergency assistance, and escalate care.