A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a child about home care following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. Place the child in a room with bright fluorescent lighting.

This option is not appropriate because bright fluorescent lighting can be uncomfortable and potentially aggravate symptoms such as headache or sensitivity to light, which are common after a head injury. Therefore, it is not included in the plan of care.

B. Initiate seizure precautions for the child.

This intervention is appropriate because children with head injuries are at an increased risk of seizures. Seizure precautions may include ensuring a safe environment, such as padding the sides of the bed, removing any objects that could cause harm during a seizure, and closely monitoring the child's neurological status for signs of seizure activity.

C. Use the COMFORT scale to rate the child's pain.

While assessing and managing pain is important, the COMFORT scale may not be the most appropriate tool for evaluating pain in a child with a head injury. The nurse should use a pain assessment tool that is specifically designed for pediatric patients and is suitable for assessing pain in children with head injuries.

D. Suction the child's nares to determine the presence of fluid.

Suctioning the child's nares may be indicated if there are concerns about airway patency or respiratory secretions. However, it is not a routine intervention for all children with head injuries. The nurse should assess the child's respiratory status and use suctioning only if necessary based on clinical findings.

A. Weight gain:

Weight gain is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In fact, individuals may experience dehydration and weight loss due to increased metabolic demands during a crisis.

B. Bradypnea:

Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a characteristic feature of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Respiratory rate may be normal or increased due to pain or compensatory mechanisms.

C. Pain:

This is the correct option. Pain is the hallmark manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. The pain can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly affects the bones, joints, abdomen, and chest. The severity of pain can vary from mild to severe and may require hospitalization for pain management.

D. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not typically associated with vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea may occur, but diarrhea is not a common manifestation of vasoocclusive crisis.