Question

A child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of aplastic anemia. When planning care for this patient, which of the following interventions is appropriate?

Choose all answers that apply:

A. Administering chelating agents, as ordered.
B. Coordinating pet therapy for the child.
C. Promoting a balance of rest and activity.
D. Encouraging intake of foods high in iron.
E. Administering hematopoietic growth factors, as ordered.

Answer 1

For aplastic anemia, promoting rest and activity balance, and administering hematopoietic growth factors are appropriate interventions. Chelating agents are for heavy metal poisoning, not aplastic anemia, and high iron intake does not directly address the condition's underlying issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Appropriate Interventions for Aplastic Anemia

When planning care for a patient with aplastic anemia, several interventions may be appropriate. This type of anemia is characterized by a deficit in red blood cell (RBC) stem cells and can be caused by factors such as genetics, radiation, medication, chemotherapy, or infection. Due to the shortage of RBCs:

• Promoting a balance of rest and activity is essential to manage fatigue and avoid over-exertion.
• Administering hematopoietic growth factors, as ordered, can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.

However, administering chelating agents is typically done for heavy metal poisoning and not aplastic anemia. Chelation therapy could disrupt biologically important metals like iron or copper, which are crucial for bodily functions. As for dietary advice, while iron is essential for RBC production, aplastic anemia doesn't typically result from iron deficiency, so encouraging intake of foods high in iron may not be directly beneficial. Moreover, coordinating pet therapy might improve the psychological well-being of the child but would not directly address the anemia.