Two different patients both have hemoglobins in the 5.0 to 6.0 g/dL range. One has pallor, fatigue, and headaches, whereas the other is experiencing life-threatening shock. Which of the following is probably the major difference between the two patients?
a. The morphologic classification of the anemia
b. Whether other cell lines (platelets or white cells) are also involved
c. The patient's sex
d. How quickly the anemia developed
ANS: D
When anemia develops slowly, the body is able to make a number of compensations so that the patient may have few if any symptoms. Conversely, if it develops rapidly (e.g., massive blood loss), then symptoms will be evident.
You might also like to view...
Thermal injuries to the skin caused by heat or cold are not considered emergencies
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Which of the following is the most accurate description of rhonchi?
a. Caused by inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing against each other b. High-pitched crackling sounds that do not clear with coughing; caused by air passing through moisture c. High-pitched whistling sounds caused by air moving through passages narrowed by mucus or bronchospasm d. Loud, low, coarse sounds that resemble snoring and often clear with coughing; caused by a buildup of mucus or fluid in the trachea or large bronchi
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of impending burnout?
A) Requesting additional shifts B) Chronic fatigue and irritability C) Decreased ability to concentrate D) Frequent stomach upset or colds
With regard to substance abuse, tolerance is defined as a:
A. chronic disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a substance that results in physical or psychological harm. B. physiologic adaptation to the effects of a drug such that increasingly larger doses are required to achieve the same effect. C. physiologic state of adaptation to a drug, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped. D. predictable set of signs and symptoms that occurs after the abrupt cessation of a drug or after rapidly decreasing the dosage