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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The inability to stand upright without support at 15 months is a developmental delay that should be reported to the provider. By this age, most toddlers can stand and walk independently. Delays in motor skills can indicate underlying neurological or musculoskeletal issues.
Choice B rationale
Building a tower of six to seven cubes is a skill typically developed by 24 months. At 15 months, a toddler may only be able to stack two to three cubes.
Choice C rationale
Jumping with both feet is a skill that develops around 24 to 36 months. It is not expected for a 15-month-old toddler to be able to jump with both feet.
Choice D rationale
Turning a doorknob is a fine motor skill that develops around 24 to 36 months. It is not expected for a 15-month-old toddler to have this skill.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the child on a no-salt-added diet is important for managing fluid retention and hypertension in acute glomerulonephritis, but it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents about potential complications is essential for long-term management, but it is not the immediate priority in an acute setting.
Choice C rationale
Checking the child’s daily weight is the priority action because it helps monitor fluid balance and detect any signs of fluid retention or worsening condition. Accurate daily weight measurements are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of treatment and making necessary adjustments.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a saline-lock is important for intravenous access, but it is not the immediate priority compared to monitoring fluid balance through daily weight checks.