Which patient should the nurse assign as the roommate for a patient who has aplastic anemia?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients with aplastic anemia are at risk for infection due to low white blood cell production. Assigning a roommate with viral pneumonia (choice B), cellulitis (choice C), or multiple abdominal drains (choice D) could expose the patient with aplastic anemia to potential infectious agents, which could further compromise their health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because the scenario describes a 50-year-old with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia who presents with chronic fatigue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia commonly presents with symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes. The other choices are less likely as they do not match the clinical presentation described in the scenario. Choice A describes a 23-year-old with a nontender lump in the axilla, which is more suggestive of a benign condition like a lipoma. Choice C describes a 19-year-old with hemophilia who wants to learn to self-administer factor VII replacement, which is unrelated to the symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Choice D repeats the scenario, which is not relevant in selecting the appropriate answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Platelet transfusions are not usually indicated until the platelet count is below 10,000 to 20,000/µL unless the patient is actively bleeding. In this scenario, the platelet count of 42,000/µL is not significantly low to warrant a platelet transfusion without active bleeding. Consulting with the healthcare provider is essential before giving the transfusion to ensure the appropriateness of the treatment. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the need for consulting before a platelet transfusion. Petechiae, low blood pressure, and oozing from the venipuncture site are common findings in patients with ITP and may not necessarily contraindicate a platelet transfusion at this platelet count.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In severe hemolytic anemia, the priority nursing intervention is to alternate periods of rest and activity. This approach helps to balance activity levels to prevent excessive fatigue while promoting mobility and preventing complications such as muscle weakness or deconditioning. Providing a diet high in vitamin K (choice A) is not directly related to managing hemolytic anemia. Teaching the patient how to avoid injury (choice C) is important but may not be the immediate priority. Placing the patient on protective isolation (choice D) is not indicated for hemolytic anemia, as it is not a contagious condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, option A is the correct answer. The patient stating they will call their health care provider if their stools turn black indicates a need for additional instruction about taking oral ferrous sulfate. This is because black stools are a common and harmless side effect of ferrous sulfate due to its iron content. It is important for the patient to understand that this side effect is expected and not a cause for concern. Option B is incorrect because it is a good practice for patients taking iron supplements to also take a stool softener to prevent constipation, so this statement does not indicate a need for additional instruction. Option C is incorrect because taking iron with orange juice about an hour before eating is a correct instruction for enhancing iron absorption, so this statement does not indicate a need for additional instruction. Option D is incorrect because increasing fluid and fiber intake while taking iron tablets is also a correct instruction to prevent constipation, so this statement does not indicate a need for additional instruction. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of patient education when administering medications. It emphasizes the need for nurses to provide clear instructions to patients about expected side effects and when to seek further medical advice. This helps ensure patient safety and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.