Question

The nurse is assessing a child with suspected thalassemia. Which of the following physical findings would the nurse expect to find during the examination?

A) Dactylitis
B) Frontal bossing
C) Clubbing
D) Spooning

Answer 1

In thalassemia, frontal bossing is a common physical finding due to bone marrow expansion in response to chronic anemia and increased erythropoiesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder affecting hemoglobin synthesis, which often leads to anemia and related symptoms due to the abnormal synthesis of globin proteins and destruction of erythrocytes. In patients with this condition, physical findings during a nursing assessment may include features associated with chronic hypoxia and bone marrow expansion. One characteristic physical finding is frontal bossing, which is a prominent, protruding forehead that may occur as a result of the marrow expansion as the body attempts to compensate for anemia. This sign is indicative of the body's response to the chronic lack of oxygen and the increased need for erythropoiesis.