A 6-year-old child with hemophilia A has slipped on the ice and bumped his knee.

The nurse should prepare to administer an.

Choice A rationale

Hemophilia A is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in coagulation factor VIII. Administering factor X would not correct the underlying deficiency responsible for the child's impaired clot formation, as factor X is a different component of the coagulation cascade and is deficient in factor X deficiency, a distinct disorder.

Choice B rationale

Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, and an intravenous infusion of iron is indicated for treating severe iron deficiency anemia. While a child with repeated bleeding episodes could develop anemia, the immediate priority for an acute joint or soft tissue bleed in hemophilia is replacing the deficient clotting factor to stop the hemorrhage.

Choice C rationale

The immediate and definitive treatment for acute bleeding episodes in a child with hemophilia A is the intravenous infusion of the deficient clotting factor, which is factor VIII. Prompt administration helps to control the bleeding into the joint (hemarthrosis), preventing long-term damage and pain.

Choice D rationale

Intramuscular injections are strongly contraindicated in individuals with hemophilia because they pose a significant risk of causing a deep, painful hematoma due to uncontrolled bleeding into the muscle tissue. Iron administration, if needed, should be given orally or intravenously, but not intramuscularly.