A student nurse is caring for a client who is severely anemic. The instructor asks the student how anemia affects the transport of oxygen to the cells. What would be the student's best answer?
A) "The cells get oxygen from the plasma."
B) "The cells are denied adequate oxygen because most of the oxygen in the body is transported by the white blood cells."
C) "The cells have to work harder with the decreased oxygen levels."
D) "The cells are denied adequate oxygen because most of the oxygen in the body is transported by the hemoglobin in red bloodcells."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anemia is characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells, which reduces the amount of hemoglobin available to transport oxygen to the cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and transports it to the cells. Without enough hemoglobin, cells are denied adequate oxygen. Choices A and B are inaccurate. While oxygen can temporarily dissolve in plasma, it is not a primary source of oxygen transport to the cells. White blood cells do not transport oxygen. Choice C is partially correct but does not fully address the role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport.

A Student Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is