Discuss OMSB OMSB_OEN Exam Topic 2 Question 43

An 11-year-old child with beta-thalassemia major is admitted for blood transfusion. The child underwent splenectomy last month.

Which of the following is a PRIORITY nursing intervention?

APrevent infections

BPromote high-fat intake

CEncourage frequent voiding

DMaintain adequate hydration

Suggested Answer: A

Beta-Thalassemia Major and Splenectomy:

Patients with beta-thalassemia major often require frequent blood transfusions.

Splenectomy increases the risk of infections due to loss of the spleen's immune function.

Priority Nursing Interventions:

Prevent Infections: The highest priority post-splenectomy due to the increased risk of sepsis and other infections.

High-Fat Intake, Frequent Voiding, Hydration: Important but secondary to infection prevention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on post-splenectomy care

National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Thalassemia Management

12 comments · newest first

Darrin 2 months ago

I was torn between that and hydration, but infection prevention seems more urgent.

Loreta 2 months ago

Agreed, infections can be life-threatening. A priority intervention for sure.

Vinnie 2 months ago

I think preventing infections is crucial here. The child is at high risk after splenectomy.

Glendora 2 months ago

I’m not sure about the priority here. Isn’t hydration always important?

Maile 2 months ago

Totally agree with A! Kids are so vulnerable to infections.

Mammie 2 months ago

Wait, why would you promote high-fat intake? That seems off.

Tammi 3 months ago

I think D) Maintain adequate hydration is important too.

Glory 3 months ago

Definitely A) Prevent infections. That's crucial after a splenectomy!

Royal 3 months ago

I’m a bit confused; I thought maintaining hydration was key, but I guess infection prevention could be more critical after splenectomy?

Tamesha 3 months ago

I think we had a practice question about prioritizing interventions for children with anemia. Preventing infections seems to come up often.

Pauline 3 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like hydration is important too, especially with blood transfusions.

Rueben 4 months ago

I remember we talked about infection risks in patients with splenectomy. I think preventing infections might be the priority here.

OMSB_OEN Exam - Topic 2 Question 43 Discussion