Question

When assessing jaundice in an African-American child with sickle cell anemia, the nurse should:

a. examine the sclera.
b. press the edge of the pinna.
c. apply pressure to the gum.
d. compare the color on the soles of the feet.

Answer 1

To assess jaundice in an African-American child with sickle cell anemia, the nurse should examine the sclera, which is a reliable method since the yellow discoloration caused by increased bilirubin levels is more evident there. Option a is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing jaundice in an African-American child with sickle cell anemia, the most appropriate method for the nurse to use is to examine the sclera. Jaundice is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to increased levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, in the blood.

This condition is caused by an accumulation of hemoglobin degradation products. The dark skin pigmentation of an African-American child can make it more challenging to assess jaundice based on skin color alone, and the sclera tends to show yellow discoloration more clearly than other areas.

Therefore, examining the sclera is a reliable clinical practice for detecting jaundice in this demographic.