A nurse is caring for a preschooler with acute nasopharyngitis.
Which information should the nurse include when teaching the parents about this health problem?

The correct answer is C. Sit the child upright and apply pressure to the sides of the nose.

Choice A rationale

Keeping the child flat and applying pressure to the bridge of the nose is not effective for managing a nosebleed. The child should be in an upright position to reduce blood flow to the nose and prevent swallowing blood.

Choice B rationale

Turning the child’s head to the side and pressing on the nasal ridge is not the recommended approach for managing a nosebleed. The child should be in an upright position with pressure applied to the sides of the nose.

Choice C rationale

Sitting the child upright and applying pressure to the sides of the nose is the correct action. This position helps to reduce blood flow to the nose and applying pressure helps to stop the bleeding.

Choice D rationale

Elevating the head of the bed slightly and applying pressure to the forehead is not effective for managing a nosebleed. The child should be in an upright position with pressure applied to the sides of the nose to stop the bleeding. .

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Slightly yellow sclera, or jaundice, is a common finding in children with sickle cell anemia. The breakdown of sickled red blood cells leads to increased bilirubin levels in the blood, which can cause jaundice. This yellowing is often most noticeable in the sclera of the eyes. Jaundice is a result of hemolysis, a hallmark of sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.

Choice B rationale

Depigmented areas on the abdomen are not typically associated with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia primarily affects the blood and organs, leading to complications such as pain crises, anemia, and organ damage. Skin changes like depigmentation are not characteristic of this condition and may indicate other underlying issues.

Choice C rationale

Enlarged mandibular growth is not a common finding in sickle cell anemia. While children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and skeletal abnormalities due to chronic anemia and bone marrow hyperactivity, mandibular enlargement is not a typical feature.

Skeletal changes in sickle cell anemia are more likely to involve long bones and vertebrae.

Choice D rationale

Increased growth of long bones is not a characteristic finding in sickle cell anemia. In fact, children with sickle cell anemia may experience growth delays and shorter stature due to chronic anemia and the body’s increased demand for red blood cell production. The condition can lead to skeletal abnormalities, but these typically involve bone infarctions and deformities rather than increased growth.