A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who is 12 hours postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain rating scales should the nurse use?

Choice A rationale:
Decrease daily oral fluid intake. Rationale: This choice is not appropriate for a client experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In this crisis, there is a risk of dehydration due to increased fluid loss, and decreasing oral fluid intake would exacerbate this issue. Adequate hydration is important to prevent further sickling of red blood cells and maintain organ perfusion.
Choice B rationale:
Maintain bed rest to prevent hypoxemia. Rationale: This is the correct choice. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, blood flow to certain tissues is restricted, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Bed rest is recommended to reduce metabolic demands and oxygen consumption, helping to prevent further tissue damage and improve oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of complications such as thrombosis and respiratory compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Apply cold compresses to painful joints. Rationale: Applying cold compresses is not a recommended intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Cold can exacerbate vasoconstriction and further compromise blood flow to the affected tissues. Warm compresses or warm baths might be more appropriate to promote vasodilation and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale:
Administer meperidine to eliminate a fever. Rationale: Administering meperidine solely to eliminate a fever is not the primary focus of care for a vaso-occlusive crisis. The priority is to manage pain and improve tissue perfusion. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used to manage severe pain associated with sickle cell crises, but it should be given with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression and the potential for addiction.

The correct answer is choiceb. Perceives death as a punishment.

Choice A rationale:

Preschool-aged children generally do not understand that death is permanent.They often view death as temporary or reversible, similar to what they see in cartoons.

Choice B rationale:

Preschoolers may perceive death as a punishment for something they did or thought.This age group often feels guilt and shame, believing their actions or thoughts caused the illness or death.

Choice C rationale:

Worrying about physical body changes is more typical in older children who have a better understanding of the physical aspects of illness and death.

Choice D rationale:

Feelings of isolation are more common in older children and adolescents who are more aware of social dynamics and the implications of their illness.