A school-aged child is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. Which measure in the child’s care plan should be given priority?
Encouraging the child to take deep breaths hourly.
Maintaining fluids through an intravenous line.
Beginning active range-of-motion exercises.
Seeing that the child ingests a protein-rich diet.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Encouraging deep breaths hourly can help prevent atelectasis and improve oxygenation, but it is not the priority in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary issue in a vaso-occlusive crisis is the blockage of blood flow due to sickled cells, leading to pain and potential organ damage. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial, they do not directly address the underlying cause of the crisis.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining fluids through an intravenous line is crucial in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Hydration helps to reduce blood viscosity, which can prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow. Adequate hydration is essential to minimize the risk of complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Therefore, maintaining IV fluids is a priority intervention in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Beginning active range-of-motion exercises can help prevent joint stiffness and maintain mobility, but it is not the priority during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary focus should be on managing pain, ensuring adequate hydration, and preventing complications. Once the acute phase is managed, physical therapy and exercises can be introduced to support long- term health and mobility.
Choice D rationale
Seeing that the child ingests a protein-rich diet is important for overall health and growth, especially in children with chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia. However, during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis, the immediate priority is to manage pain, ensure hydration, and prevent complications. Nutritional support can be addressed once the acute crisis is under control.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Over-riding suture lines are not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus. This condition involves the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
A backward sloping appearance of the forehead is not associated with hydrocephalus. This condition typically presents with an enlarged head circumference due to fluid accumulation.
Choice C rationale
Dilated scalp veins are a common manifestation of hydrocephalus. The increased intracranial pressure causes the veins to become more prominent and visible.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension is not a primary symptom of hydrocephalus in newborns. The condition primarily affects the brain and skull, leading to symptoms like an enlarged head, bulging fontanelles, and dilated scalp veins.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ignoring temper tantrums is an effective strategy for managing this behavior. By not giving attention to the tantrum, the child learns that this behavior will not achieve the desired outcome. This approach helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tantrums over time.
Choice B rationale
Restraining the child physically during a temper tantrum can escalate the situation and may cause injury to the child or the caregiver. It is not recommended as a strategy for managing temper tantrums.
Choice C rationale
Distracting the child by offering to play a game can be an effective strategy for preventing tantrums, but it is not the best approach once a tantrum has already started. Ignoring the tantrum is more effective in reducing the behavior over time.
Choice D rationale
Telling the child that temper tantrums are not acceptable may not be effective during the tantrum itself. The child is unlikely to be receptive to verbal reasoning during a tantrum. Ignoring the tantrum is a more effective strategy.