Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia ( 15 Questions)
Which self-care instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)
The nurse should instruct the patient to "Avoid exposure to infections" because patients with hemolytic anemia are at an increased risk of infection due to their compromised immune system. Hemolytic anemia can result in the destruction of red blood cells, leading to a decreased ability to transport oxygen and an increased susceptibility to infections.
Instructing the patient to "Stay warm in cold temperatures" is essential because cold temperatures can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with hemolytic anemia. Cold exposure can lead to vasoconstriction, which can worsen anemia-related symptoms by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.
The statement "Take over-the-counter pain medications as needed" is not a recommended self-care instruction for hemolytic anemia. Pain medications will not address the underlying cause of the condition, and their use should be guided by a healthcare provider to avoid potential complications.
"Limit your fluid intake to prevent dehydration" is not an appropriate self-care instruction for hemolytic anemia. Dehydration can worsen the condition by increasing the concentration of red blood cells in the blood, potentially leading to further hemolysis. Encouraging adequate hydration is generally important unless there are specific contraindications.
Instructing the patient to "Report any jaundice or dark urine to your healthcare provider" is crucial because jaundice and dark urine are common signs of hemolysis in hemolytic anemia. These symptoms indicate an increased breakdown of red blood cells and should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider for evaluation and management.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the patient to "Avoid exposure to infections" because patients with hemolytic anemia are at an increased risk of infection due to their compromised immune system.
Hemolytic anemia can result in the destruction of red blood cells, leading to a decreased ability to transport oxygen and an increased susceptibility to infections.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the patient to "Stay warm in cold temperatures" is essential because cold temperatures can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with hemolytic anemia.
Cold exposure can lead to vasoconstriction, which can worsen anemia-related symptoms by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "Take over-the-counter pain medications as needed" is not a recommended self-care instruction for hemolytic anemia.
Pain medications will not address the underlying cause of the condition, and their use should be guided by a healthcare provider to avoid potential complications.
Choice D rationale:
"Limit your fluid intake to prevent dehydration" is not an appropriate self-care instruction for hemolytic anemia.
Dehydration can worsen the condition by increasing the concentration of red blood cells in the blood, potentially leading to further hemolysis.
Encouraging adequate hydration is generally important unless there are specific contraindications.
Choice E rationale:
Instructing the patient to "Report any jaundice or dark urine to your healthcare provider" is crucial because jaundice and dark urine are common signs of hemolysis in hemolytic anemia.
These symptoms indicate an increased breakdown of red blood cells and should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider for evaluation and management.