Disorders 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect in a patient with a
hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL?
A. Hypertension
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe anemia (hemoglobin <6 g/dL) causes the heart to compensate for low
oxygen-carrying capacity by increasing heart rate (tachycardia).
2. A patient with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed ferrous sulfate. What
instruction should the nurse include?
A. Take the medication with an antacid
B. Take the medication with milk
C. Take the medication with orange juice
D. Take the medication only at bedtime
Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin C, found in orange juice, enhances the absorption of iron. Antacids and
milk inhibit absorption.
,3. A patient has pernicious anemia. The nurse understands this is caused by a
deficiency of:
A. Iron
B. Vitamin B6
C. Folic acid
D. Intrinsic factor
Answer: D
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by the absence of intrinsic factor, which is required
for Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption in the distal ileum.
4. Which clinical manifestation is unique to Vitamin B12 deficiency and not seen
in folic acid deficiency?
A. Glossitis
B. Fatigue
C. Paresthesia of the hands and feet
D. Dyspnea on exertion
Answer: C
Rationale: Neurological symptoms like paresthesia and muscle weakness are
characteristic of Vitamin B12 deficiency but are absent in folic acid deficiency.
5. A patient is admitted in a sickle cell crisis. Which intervention is the nurse’s
highest priority?
A. Restricting oral fluid intake
B. Applying cold compresses to joints
C. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics
D. Administering intravenous fluids
Answer: D
Rationale: Hydration is critical in a sickle cell crisis to reduce blood viscosity and prevent
further sickling and vessel occlusion.
, 6. Which laboratory value is most indicative of aplastic anemia?
A. Elevated white blood cell count
B. Increased reticulocyte count
C. High serum iron levels
D. Pancytopenia
Answer: D
Rationale: Aplastic anemia is characterized by pancytopenia, which is a decrease in all
blood cell types: RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
7. A patient with polycythemia vera is complaining of severe pruritus after a hot
bath. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Increase the water temperature
B. Use a coarse towel for drying
C. Take tepid or cool baths
D. Apply alcohol-based lotions
Answer: C
Rationale: Pruritus in polycythemia vera is often triggered by heat. Tepid baths and
avoiding vigorous toweling help manage this symptom.
8. A nurse is caring for a patient with a platelet count of 15,000/uL. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Initiate fall precautions
B. Administer aspirin for pain
C. Provide a firm toothbrush
D. Encourage vigorous exercise
Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count below 20,000/uL puts the patient at high risk for spontaneous
or trauma-induced bleeding; fall precautions are essential.