A nurse is caring for a toddler who has acute laryngotracheobronchitis and has been placed in a cool mist tent. Which of the following findings indicates that the treatment has been effective?

Choice A reason: Discouraging a high level of fluid intake is incorrect, as hydration is essential for preventing sickle cell crises and reducing blood viscosity. The nurse should encourage the child to drink at least 1.5 times the normal fluid requirement.

Choice B reason: Administering meperidine every 4 hr for pain is incorrect, as meperidine is not recommended for sickle cell pain due to the risk of neurotoxicity and seizures. The nurse should use other opioids such as morphine or hydromorphone for pain management.

Choice C reason: Applying cold compresses to painful, swollen joints is incorrect, as cold can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the sickling of red blood cells. The nurse should use warm compresses or heating pads to promote vasodilation and blood flow.

Choice D reason: Observing for indications of hypokalemia is correct, as sickle cell anemia can cause hemolysis and potassium loss. The nurse should monitor the child's serum potassium level and watch for signs of hypokalemia such as muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and constipation.

Choice A reason: A 2-year-old toddler is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 2-year-old toddler may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.

Choice B reason: A 4-month-old infant is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-month-old infant may receive the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine instead, if indicated.

Choice C reason: An 11-year-old school-age child is a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is routinely given to children aged 11 to 12 years old, with a booster dose at age 16. The MCV4 vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that can cause serious infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or the bloodstream (septicemia).

Choice D reason: A 4-year-old child is not a recommended recipient of the MCV4 vaccine, as it is not routinely given to children younger than 11 years old, unless they have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia, complement deficiency, or HIV infection. A 4-year-old child may receive the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine instead, if indicated.