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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Notifying the health care provider immediately may be necessary if the bleeding is severe or persistent. However, in the case of small amounts of blood, it is important to continue assessing for bleeding to determine if the situation worsens. Immediate notification may not be necessary for minor bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Continuing to assess for bleeding is the best intervention for a child spitting up small amounts of blood after a tonsillectomy. This allows the nurse to monitor the situation and determine if the bleeding is worsening or if it resolves on its own. It is important to keep the child calm and avoid any actions that could exacerbate the bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the child to cough can increase the risk of further bleeding. Coughing can dislodge clots and cause additional trauma to the surgical site. It is important to keep the child calm and avoid actions that could worsen the bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Suctioning the back of the throat can cause additional trauma to the surgical site and increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to avoid invasive procedures and continue to assess for bleeding. If the bleeding worsens, further medical intervention may be necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering an oral analgesic does not aid in bronchodilation and is not effective in treating laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup)10.
Choice B rationale
Assisting with racemic epinephrine nebulizer therapy is the most effective measure in aiding bronchodilation in a child with laryngotracheobronchitis (Croup). Racemic epinephrine helps reduce airway swelling and improve breathing.
Choice C rationale
Urging the child to continue to take oral fluids is important for hydration but does not directly aid in bronchodilation.
Choice D rationale
Teaching the child to take long, slow breaths can help with breathing techniques but is not the most effective measure for bronchodilation.