A child with hemophilia arrives at the clinic with a swollen knee after falling off a bicycle. Which action should the nurse implement first? 

Choice A rationale

Typing and crossmatching for a possible transfusion is not the immediate priority for a child with hemophilia who has a swollen knee. While a transfusion might be necessary if there is significant bleeding, initial management should focus on controlling the bleeding and minimizing joint damage.

Choice B rationale

Initiating an IV site and beginning infusing normal saline is not the first action to take in this scenario. While IV access might be needed later, immediate measures should focus on controlling bleeding and reducing swelling to prevent further damage to the knee joint.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring the child's vital signs frequently is important, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to control the bleeding and reduce the swelling, which are the immediate concerns in this situation.

Choice D rationale

Applying an ice pack and compression dressing to the knee is the first action to take. This helps to control bleeding, reduce swelling, and minimize joint damage. This is a crucial step in managing hemophilia-related injuries and should be done immediately upon recognizing a swollen joint.

Choice A rationale

While placing pillows inside the side rails can prevent injury, it may not be effective if the child is having a severe tonic-clonic seizure, as the child could still injure themselves. Padding the entire bed with approved padding is more appropriate in such a case.

Choice B rationale

During a seizure, it is crucial to ensure the child’s safety by asking the mother to release the child to prevent unintentional injury. Holding the child down during a seizure can cause harm to both the child and the mother, and it's important to provide a safe space for the child to move.

Choice C rationale

Administering an anticonvulsant medication can help control the seizure and prevent further convulsions. Medications such as benzodiazepines are often used to treat ongoing seizures and can provide rapid relief.

Choice D rationale

Closing the blinds to darken the room is not directly beneficial during a seizure and does not address the immediate need to protect the child from injury or manage the seizure effectively. While reducing light may help in other conditions, it is not a priority during a seizure.

Choice E rationale

Monitoring the child's airway and tongue is critical to ensure they are not at risk of choking or aspiration during a seizure. Keeping the airway clear and observing for any obstructions can prevent further complications and ensure the child’s safety.