A nurse is creating a plan of care for a child who is awake and responsive following an acute head injury. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. "I should place the shoulder harness above the level of my baby's shoulders."

This statement is incorrect. Placing the shoulder harness above the baby's shoulders could lead to improper restraint in the event of a crash. The harness should be positioned at or slightly below the level of the baby's shoulders to provide effective protection.

B. "I should place the car seat rear-facing until my baby is 2 years old."

This statement is correct. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height and weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer. This position provides optimal protection for the baby's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

C. "I will place the retainer clip over my baby's abdomen."

This statement is incorrect. The retainer clip, also known as the chest clip, should be positioned at armpit level to secure the harness straps. Placing it over the baby's abdomen could result in serious injuries in the event of a crash.

D. "I should position my baby at a 30-degree angle in the car seat."

This statement is incorrect. Infants should be positioned at a 45-degree angle in their car seats. This angle helps to keep the baby's airway open and prevents the head from flopping forward, which could restrict breathing. Placing the baby at a 30-degree angle may not provide adequate support and protection.

A. Administer packed red blood cells transfusion (PRBC):

While anemia may also be a concern in leukemia, the primary issue here is thrombocytopenia, not anemia. Administering packed red blood cells transfusion would address anemia, not the low platelet count.

B. Avoid taking rectal temperatures:

This is the correct option. Taking rectal temperatures carries the risk of causing bleeding or trauma, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia. It is essential to avoid invasive procedures or activities that may increase the risk of bleeding in a patient with a low platelet count.

C. Place child in protective environment precautions:

Protective environment precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are typically implemented for patients who are immunocompromised to protect them from exposure to infectious agents. While patients with leukemia may be immunocompromised, the low platelet count is the primary concern here, not infection risk.

D. Swab the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine:

Swabbing the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine is not indicated for thrombocytopenia. Lidocaine may have local anesthetic properties but does not address the underlying issue of low platelet count.