A nurse is attending to an 8-year-old child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever. What should be the nurse’s immediate priority assessment after admission?

Choice A rationale
While an area of warmth can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is not the most specific or indicative symptom. DVT is a condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep inside the body, usually in the thigh or lower legs. The most common symptoms include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
However, these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific for DVT.
Choice B rationale
Nausea is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most common symptoms of DVT include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
Choice C rationale
A cool-to-touch extremity is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In fact, the skin over the affected area is often warmer than the skin on surrounding areas. Therefore, a cool-to-touch extremity would not typically be expected in a client with suspected DVT.
Choice D rationale
Calf tenderness when massaged is a common clinical finding in clients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)2. DVT often causes pain and swelling in the affected leg, and this pain can be particularly noticeable or worsen when the calf is massaged or the client is standing or walking. Therefore, calf tenderness when massaged would be a clinical finding that a nurse should anticipate in a client being admitted with a suspected DVT.

Choice A rationale
Hydration is crucial for children who have recovered from an acute crisis episode of sickle cell anemia. Dehydration can increase the risk of a sickle cell crisis by making the blood more concentrated. Offering fluids to the child multiple times every day can help prevent dehydration.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the child’s temperature daily can help detect any infections early. Infections can trigger a sickle cell crisis. However, this is not the most critical instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching.
Choice C rationale
Applying cold compresses when the child expresses pain is not recommended. Cold can cause vasoconstriction, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow and potentially trigger a sickle cell crisis.
Choice D rationale
Restricting outdoor play activity to 1 hour per day is not necessarily required for children who have recovered from an acute crisis episode of sickle cell anemia. Physical activity is generally beneficial for children’s health and well-being.