The nurse is explaining the blood component platelets to an 8-year-old child with hemophilia. How should the nurse best describe platelets to this child?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, which stops bleeding by forming a clot over the bleeding area. This explanation is most suitable for an 8-year-old child with hemophilia as it directly addresses how platelets help in stopping bleeding, which is a common concern for individuals with hemophilia. Choice A is incorrect because platelets do not directly prevent infection. Choice B is incorrect as platelets are actually solid components of blood, not the liquid portion. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the function of red blood cells, not platelets. Therefore, choice D is the best description of platelets for the child to understand their role in stopping bleeding.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: It prevents iron overload. Deferoxamine is a chelating agent that helps remove excess iron from the body, which is a common complication of frequent blood transfusions in patients with beta-thalassemia. Iron overload can lead to organ damage and other serious complications. Therefore, by using deferoxamine, the child can prevent the harmful effects of iron accumulation. A: Incorrect. Deferoxamine does not prevent blood transfusion reactions. It specifically targets iron overload. B: Incorrect. Deferoxamine does not stimulate red blood cell production. It is used to remove excess iron. C: Incorrect. Deferoxamine does not provide vitamin supplementation. Its main function is iron chelation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased fibrinogen level. In DIC, there is widespread activation of clotting factors leading to consumption of fibrinogen, causing a decrease in its levels. This results in an increased risk of bleeding. A: Decreased prothrombin time is not common in DIC because the increased clotting factor consumption leads to a prolonged prothrombin time. B: Increased platelet count is not common in DIC, as platelets are also consumed in the excessive clotting process. D: Decreased partial thromboplastin time is not common in DIC as it may be prolonged due to consumption of clotting factors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: After the next time the child voids. This is because the first void is discarded to ensure that the urine collection is accurate. By starting the collection after the next void, we can capture a full 24-hour sample. Choice A is incorrect because starting at 0700 does not account for the child's first void. Choice C is incorrect because starting at bedtime also does not allow for the exclusion of the first void. Choice D is incorrect as starting when the order is noted does not ensure the accuracy of the collection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Preventing infection. In children with leukemia, the primary goal is to prevent infection due to their compromised immune system. Infection can be life-threatening for these patients. Providing a safe environment, proper hand hygiene, and monitoring for signs of infection are crucial. Meeting developmental needs (A) and promoting adequate nutrition (B) are important but secondary to preventing infection. Promoting diversionary activity (D) is beneficial for psychosocial well-being but not as critical as preventing infection in a child with leukemia.