The nurse is caring for a 32-year old client admitted with pernicious anemia. Which set of findings should the nurse expect when assessing the client?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12, essential for the production of red blood cells. The characteristic findings associated with pernicious anemia include pallor due to decreased red blood cells, tachycardia as the heart compensates for decreased oxygen-carrying capacity, and a sore tongue (glossitis) due to vitamin B12 deficiency affecting the oral mucosa. Therefore, the nurse should expect to find pallor, tachycardia, and a sore tongue when assessing a client with pernicious anemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The definitive diagnosis of HIV infection is made based on the detection of specific antibodies in the blood. The most commonly used tests for this purpose are ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western blot. A positive result on both tests confirms the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood, indicating an active HIV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors, extreme weight loss, and opportunistic infections may raise suspicion for HIV infection, but a positive diagnosis is confirmed through specific laboratory tests like ELISA and Western blot.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to teach a client with pancytopenia caused by chemotherapy is to avoid traumatic injuries and exposure to any infection. Pancytopenia is a condition characterized by low levels of all blood cell types - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This leaves the individual vulnerable to infections, easy bruising, and bleeding. By advising the client to avoid traumatic injuries and exposure to infection, the nurse is helping to reduce the risk of further complications that can arise from low blood cell counts. This includes advising the client on taking precautions such as gentle handling to prevent skin injury, using a soft toothbrush for oral care, and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick to minimize the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pallor, or paleness of the skin, is an early sign of anemia. Anemia occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the body's tissues. This lack of oxygen can cause the skin to appear pale due to decreased blood flow. Other common symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Palpitations, glossitis, and weight loss are not typically early signs of anemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary nursing intervention in the administration of blood is to correctly identify the client. This is crucial to ensure that the right blood is being administered to the right patient to prevent transfusion reactions and ensure patient safety. Before any blood transfusion, the nurse must verify the patient's identity using at least two unique identifiers, such as name, date of birth, and hospital or medical record number. Patient safety hinges on this critical step, making it the priority when administering blood products. While monitoring vital signs, checking the flow rate, and maintaining blood temperature are all important aspects of blood transfusion management, identifying the client is fundamental and must come first to prevent errors.