A child with severe anemia requires a unit of red blood cells (RBCs).The nurse explains to the child that the transfusion is necessary for which reason?
A) Allow her parents to come visit her.
B) Fight the infection that she now has.
C) Increase her energy so she will not be so tired.
D) Help her body stop bleeding by forming a clot (scab).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The indication for RBC transfusion is risk of cardiac decompensation.When the number of circulating RBCs is increased,tissue hypoxia decreases,cardiac function is improved,and the child will have more energy.Parental visiting is not dependent on transfusion.The decrease in tissue hypoxia will minimize the risk of infection.There is no evidence that the child is currently infected.Forming a clot is the function of platelets.

A Child with Severe Anemia Requires a Unit of Red