MEDizzy - A nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell anemia. What

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Nursing Care of Toddlers

A nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell anemia. What is the priority nursing intervention to prevent thrombus formation in capillaries and the stasis and clotting of blood that occur in the sickling process?

ExplanationA. Dehydration, stress, infection, and electrolyte imbalance can cause the sickling process. Red blood cells change to the sickle shape when deoxygenated because of polymerization of the abnormal hemoglobin. This process damages the RBC membrane, which causes the cells to become entangled in the blood vessels. This deprives the tissues that are distal to the occlusion of oxygen, resulting in ischemia and infarction, which can result in organ damage. B. The child’s condition determines the activity level; although bed rest may be required during a pain episode, at other times it is rarely necessary. C. This will not prevent thrombus formation. D. Anticoagulants do not help prevent thrombus formation in sickle cell anemia.