A nurse is caring for a child who has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Avoid a diet consisting of primarily milk. Milk, especially cow’s milk, is low in iron and can inhibit iron absorption. Excessive milk consumption can also lead to iron deficiency anemia by displacing iron-rich foods from the diet and potentially causing gastrointestinal bleeding in infants. Limiting milk intake and ensuring a balanced diet can help prevent iron deficiency.

B. Include whole grains and legumes in the diet. Whole grains and legumes are good sources of nonheme iron, which is beneficial for preventing iron deficiency anemia. While this is a good dietary recommendation, infants might not consume enough of these foods to meet their iron needs without additional sources or supplements.

C. Administer fat-soluble vitamins daily. Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are not directly related to preventing iron deficiency anemia. They are important for other aspects of health, but they do not address iron intake or absorption.

D. Limit intake of high-protein foods. Rationale: High-protein foods like meat are often rich in heme iron, which is easily absorbed and important for preventing anaemia. Limiting these foods would not be beneficial and might even contribute to anemia.

A. Keep the client's leg in a dependent position. Keeping the leg in a dependent position can increase swelling and delay healing. The leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

B. Use a hair dryer on a hot setting to dry the cast. Using a hair dryer on a hot setting can cause burns and does not effectively dry a plaster cast. Plaster casts take time to dry and should be air-dried naturally.

C. Discourage the client from ambulating: Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications like muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, as long as it is safe and the healthcare provider has approved it. Completely discouraging ambulation is not generally recommended unless specified by a doctor.

D. Perform a neurovascular check of the lower extremities. Neurovascular checks are essential to ensure that there is adequate blood flow and nerve function below the cast. This includes checking for pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, and paralysis (the 5 P’s). This helps detect complications like compartment syndrome or decreased circulation early.