Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
3-year-old with mild iron deficiency anemiaA 3-year-old child with mild iron deficiency anemia is seen by a nurse in the clinic. In addition to weakness and fatigue, what should the nurse expect the child to exhibit?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct Answer: A (Increased pulse rate)
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia leads to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, causing the heart to work harder to compensate by increasing the pulse rate. This is the body's attempt to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Increased blood pressure - Iron deficiency anemia is more likely to cause low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure.
C: Warm skin - Iron deficiency anemia does not directly affect skin temperature.
D: Cyanosis of the nail beds - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood, which is not typically seen in iron deficiency anemia.
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia leads to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, causing the heart to work harder to compensate by increasing the pulse rate. This is the body's attempt to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Increased blood pressure - Iron deficiency anemia is more likely to cause low blood pressure rather than high blood pressure.
C: Warm skin - Iron deficiency anemia does not directly affect skin temperature.
D: Cyanosis of the nail beds - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood, which is not typically seen in iron deficiency anemia.