Today’s NCLEX-PN® question of the day focuses on anemia risk. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse in the family health clinic is reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) for a patient being seen for fatigue. The patient’s laboratory results indicate anemia.
Which finding increases this patient’s risk for anemia?
A. Following a high fiber diet
B. Mechanical valve
C. Caesarean section
D. Raynaud’s syndrome
| Electronic Health Record (EHR) | |
| Patient Demographics / Clinical Alerts | Name: Rashmi Jain DOB: 01/05/1982 (Age 43) Gender: Female Biological Sex: Female Allergies: Shellfish |
| Medical History | Seasonal allergies Gastroesophageal reflux disease Depression Raynaud’s syndrome Valvular heart disease |
| Surgical History | Caesarean section in 2009 Cholecystectomy in 2011 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mechanical valve placed in 2022 |
| Social History | Follows a high fiber diet Non-smoker Denies alcohol use |
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-PN® Question is…
B. Mechanical valve
Rationale: This patient is at risk for anemia because she has a mechanical heart valve. Physical damage by medical devices, like mechanical heart valves, can destroy or damage red blood cells (RBCs), increasing the risk for anemia.
Main Takeaway
Anemia is a group of conditions that occurs when there is a reduced number of healthy, functional red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. Risk factors for anemia include nutritional deficiencies, family history of anemia, older age, and pregnancy. This patient has one risk factor for anemia, which is that she has a mechanical heart valve. Physical damage by medical devices, like mechanical heart valves, can destroy or damage RBCs, increasing the risk for anemia.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
A. Following a high fiber diet
Rationale: Following a poorly planned vegan diet, rather than a high fiber diet, can increase the risk of anemia
C. Caesarean section
Rationale: Although blood loss during surgery, such as a caesarean section, can lead to anemia, this occurred in 2009, therefore, is not a risk factor currently.
D. Raynaud’s syndrome
Rationale: Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition that causes narrowed blood vessels in the fingers and toes, leading to color changes, numbness, and tingling in response to cold or stress. It is not a risk factor for anemia.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Anemia: Nursing pathophysiology
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