A mother states that she brought her child to the clinic because the 3-year-old girl was not keeping up with her siblings.During physical assessment,the nurse notes that the child has pale skin and conjunctiva and has muscle weakness.The hemoglobin on admission is 6.4 g/dl.After notifying the practitioner of the results,what nursing priority intervention should occur next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child has a critically low hemoglobin value.The expected range is 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl.When the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood decreases slowly,the child is able to compensate by increasing cardiac output.With the increasing workload of the heart,additional stress can lead to cardiac failure.Reduction of environmental stimulation can help minimize energy expenditure,but seizures are not a risk.A repeat hemoglobin analysis is not necessary.The child does not have evidence of dehydration.If intravenous fluids are given,they can further dilute the circulating blood volume and increase the strain on the heart.

A Mother States That She Brought Her Child to the Clinic