A nurse is planning care for a child who has varicella. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

Choice A Reason:

Relaxed facial expression is correct. Opioids, when effectively managing pain, can lead to a more relaxed facial expression in infants. It's a common indicator that the pain is being controlled and the infant is experiencing relief.

Choice B Reason:

Increased blood pressure is incorrect. Opioids usually cause a decrease in blood pressure rather than an increase. Elevated blood pressure wouldn't typically signify a therapeutic effect of opioids; it might indicate other factors such as stress, discomfort, or an adverse reaction.

Choice C Reason:

Limb withdrawal is incorrect. Limb withdrawal is a reflex action and might occur in response to a stimulus. It's not a direct indicator of pain relief; rather, it's a reflexive response to a sensation.

Choice D Reason:

Bradycardia is incorrect. Bradycardia, a slowed heart rate, can be a side effect of opioid medications. However, it's not an indicator of the therapeutic effect of pain relief. In fact, bradycardia might signal an adverse reaction or a dose that's too high for the infant.

Choice A Reason:

Encourage frequent physical activity to increase bone mass: While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, in the case of osteomyelitis, encouraging excessive or frequent physical activity might exacerbate pain, discomfort, and the risk of further bone injury. Controlled and appropriate physical activity may be recommended, but it should be individualized based on the child's condition and the affected area.

Choice B Reason:

Provide a high-calorie, low-protein diet: In osteomyelitis, a balanced and nutritious diet is important to support the child's overall health and aid in recovery. However, a high-calorie, low-protein diet would not be suitable for combating infection or supporting healing. Adequate protein intake is essential for tissue repair and immune function.

Choice C Reason:

Initiate contact precautions for the child: Osteomyelitis is not typically transmitted from person to person. It's an infection within the bone that doesn't require contact precautions for prevention of spread among individuals. Treatment primarily involves antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage, but it doesn't necessitate isolation precautions.

Choice D Reason:

Maintain a patent intravenous catheter: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for osteomyelitis, and they are usually administered intravenously for an extended period to effectively eradicate the infection. Maintaining a patent intravenous catheter ensures continuous access for medication administration.