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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A diastolic murmur is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. This condition is more commonly associated with systolic murmurs.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension is not a common finding in coarctation of the aorta. In fact, hypertension in the upper extremities is more typical due to the narrowing of the aorta.
Choice C rationale
Excessive crying is not a specific indicator of coarctation of the aorta. It can be a symptom of many different conditions and is not diagnostic.
Choice D rationale
Unequal upper and lower extremity pulses are a key finding in coarctation of the aorta. The narrowing of the aorta causes reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, resulting in weaker pulses compared to the upper extremities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging the parents to rock the infant provides comfort and emotional support, which is crucial for the infant’s recovery. Rocking can also help soothe the infant and promote bonding between the parents and the child.
Choice B rationale
Administering ibuprofen as needed for pain is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age due to the risk of adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage.
Choice C rationale
Positioning the infant on her abdomen is contraindicated after cleft lip repair surgery as it can put pressure on the surgical site, potentially causing damage and increasing the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale
Offering the infant a pacifier is not advisable as sucking can put strain on the surgical site, potentially leading to complications and delaying the healing process.