A nurse is assisting with the discharge of a child who has sickle cell anemia and is recovering from an acute sickle cell crisis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse reinforce with the child's parents?
Have the child eat a high-protein diet.
Monitor the child's temperature twice per day.
Restrict outdoor play activity
Encourage the child to increase his fluid intake.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Have the child eat a high-protein diet. There is no specific requirement for a high-protein diet to manage sickle cell disease. Hydration is more critical in crisis prevention.
B. Monitor the child's temperature twice per day. While monitoring for infection is essential, this is not the most important discharge instruction to prevent crises.
C. Restrict outdoor play activity. While strenuous exercise should be avoided, activity restriction is unnecessary as long as the child stays hydrated and avoids extreme conditions.
D. Encourage the child to increase his fluid intake. Increased fluid intake helps prevent sickling by reducing blood viscosity, which is essential in preventing future crises.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Report fever to MD ASAP: While fever in any immunocompromised patient should be reported, it does not directly address precautions related to low platelet counts and bleeding risks.
B. Use a soft toothbrush with oral care: With a low platelet count, the patient is at risk for bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush minimizes the risk of gum injury and bleeding, a critical safety measure for thrombocytopenic patients.
C. Drink hot liquids TID: Hot liquids are not recommended as they may cause mouth or esophageal burns, increasing bleeding risk if the mucosa is damaged. Tepid or cold fluids are safer.
D. Recommend straight edge razor for shaving: Patients with low platelets should use an electric razor to avoid cuts, as any bleeding is harder to control in thrombocytopenic individuals.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hematocrit 35% (F 37%–47%; M 42%–52%): Although the hematocrit is slightly low, it is not as concerning as a low platelet count, which poses an immediate risk for bleeding.
B. Bone pain: Bone pain is common in leukemia due to bone marrow expansion, but it does not take priority over the risk of bleeding from thrombocytopenia.
C. Weight loss: Weight loss may be a symptom of leukemia, but it is not immediately life-threatening and does not take priority over a low platelet count that increases bleeding risk.
D. Platelet count 125,000/mm³ (150,000–400,000): A low platelet count is concerning in leukemia patients because it increases the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for and preventing bleeding is a high priority due to thrombocytopenia associated with leukemia.