Question

A 5-year-old boy is diagnosed with congenital aplastic anemia. Which symptoms should be considered when developing the plan of care

Answer 1

Answer:

Pallor

Fatigue

Easy bruising

Cyanosis

When symptoms begin, a child appears pale, fatigues easily, and has anorexia from the lowered RBC count and tissue hypoxia. Because of reduced platelet formation (thrombocytopenia), the child bruises easily or develops petechiae (pinpoint, macular, purplish-red spots caused by intradermal or submucous hemorrhage). A child may have excessive nosebleeds or gastrointestinal bleeding. As a result of a decrease in WBCs (neutropenia) a child may contract an increased number of infections and respond poorly to antibiotic therapy. Observe closely for signs of cardiac decompensation such as tachycardia (not bradycardia), tachypnea (not bradypnea), shortness of breath, or cyanosis from the long-term increased workload of all these effects on the heart.

Explanation: