A client with hemophilia reports joint pain.
What nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize for managing the client's pain?

"Apply pressure, ice, and compression to the affected joint."

Choice A rationale:

"Administer acetaminophen as prescribed." While pain management is essential for clients with hemophilia, acetaminophen is not the first-line choice because it does not have anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, in hemophilia, there is a risk of liver damage from excessive acetaminophen use.

Choice B rationale:

"Apply pressure, ice, and compression to the affected joint." This is the correct choice.

Applying ice and compression to the affected joint can help reduce pain and inflammation in clients with hemophilia.

It is a safe and effective nursing intervention.

Choice C rationale:

"Refer the client to genetic counseling services." Genetic counseling is important in hemophilia for family planning and risk assessment.

However, it is not the priority nursing intervention for managing acute joint pain.

Choice D rationale:

"Encourage the client to perform vigorous physical exercises." Encouraging vigorous physical exercises is not advisable for clients with hemophilia, especially when they are experiencing joint pain.

It can increase the risk of bleeding and further joint damage.

Choice A rationale:

"It's just a minor issue, and the pain will go away on its own." This statement is not appropriate because joint pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in a client with hemophilia, known as hemarthrosis, can lead to long-term joint damage and disability if not properly managed.

Downplaying the issue is not in the best interest of the client and may lead to inadequate care.

Choice B rationale:

"Let's apply ice to the affected joint to reduce the swelling." While applying ice to an inflamed joint can help reduce swelling in some cases, it may not be the best immediate approach for a client with hemophilia.

Ice application should be done with caution, as it can potentially worsen bleeding in individuals with hemophilia.

The primary focus should be on assessing the severity of the bleeding, providing appropriate pain management, and consulting with a healthcare provider.

Choice C rationale:

"I'll assess your joint and provide pain management as needed." This is the most appropriate response.

The nurse should assess the client's joint for signs of hemarthrosis, such as swelling, warmth, and reduced range of motion.

Prompt assessment allows for early intervention to manage the bleeding and alleviate pain.

Providing pain management as needed, which may include analgesic medications, is essential to improve the client's comfort and prevent further complications.

Choice D rationale:

"You should perform strenuous exercises to improve joint mobility." Encouraging strenuous exercises in a client with hemophilia who is already experiencing joint pain and swelling is not advisable.

Strenuous exercise can exacerbate bleeding and joint damage.

Instead, the focus should be on gentle range-of-motion exercises and physical therapy, guided by a healthcare provider, to improve joint mobility without increasing the risk of bleeding.