A pregnant couple at 14 weeks gestation has just been told that they both are carriers of an autosomal-recessive disorder.
The nurse who is providing genetic counseling should take which of the following actions?

Choice A rationale

Restricting outdoor activity to 1 hour per day is not necessary for patients with sickle cell anemia. While strenuous exercise and overexertion should be avoided, regular moderate exercise is beneficial and helps to promote good overall health.

Choice B rationale

Applying cold compresses when the child expresses pain is not recommended. Cold can lead to vasoconstriction, which can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Instead, warm compresses are often used to help increase circulation and reduce pain.

Choice C rationale

Drinking fluids multiple times every day is crucial. Hydration helps to keep the blood diluted and reduces the chances of a sickle cell crisis. Dehydration can increase the risk of a sickle cell crisis.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring temperature daily is not specifically required for patients with sickle cell anemia. However, any signs of infection, such as fever, should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, as infection can trigger a sickle cell crisis.

Choice A rationale

Returning the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank is not the immediate action to take when a client reports having lower back pain and feeling chilled and itchy during a PRBC transfusion. These symptoms could indicate a transfusion reaction, which is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

Stopping the infusion is the first action the nurse should take when a client reports symptoms of a transfusion reaction. This is because continuing the transfusion could worsen the reaction and potentially lead to more serious complications.

Choice C rationale

While notifying the provider is an important step in managing a transfusion reaction, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first stop the infusion to prevent further exposure to the blood product.

Choice D rationale

Collecting a urine sample from the client is not the immediate action to take when a client reports having lower back pain and feeling chilled and itchy during a PRBC transfusion. These symptoms could indicate a transfusion reaction, which requires immediate intervention.