An adolescent experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis reports right knee pain. Which is the most appropriate intervention?

A. Appropriate dose of aspirin and rest: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that can worsen bleeding in individuals with hemophilia. It should be avoided. Rest alone is not sufficient in this situation.

B. Immobilization of the leg and a dose of ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of bleeding. Immobilizing the leg may help prevent further injury, but it does not address the underlying bleeding issue or provide the necessary clotting factor.

C. Heating pad and administration of factor VIII concentrate: While the administration of factor VIII concentrate is appropriate, the use of a heating pad is not advisable, as it can potentially worsen bleeding by dilating blood vessels in the area.

D. Pressure on the site and administration of the required clotting factor.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn't clot properly. When a hemophilic child has a significant bruise or bleeding, it is crucial to administer the specific clotting factor that they are deficient in (Factor VIII or IX) to stop the bleeding. Applying pressure to the site can also help control bleeding.

In summary, option D is the priority because it directly addresses the bleeding issue in the child with hemophilia by applying pressure to the site and administering the necessary clotting factor. This is crucial in preventing further bleeding and complications.

A. Neutropenic Precautions: Neutropenia refers to a low neutrophil count, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections. While children with leukemia are at risk for neutropenia due to the disease and its treatment, the primary concern in this scenario is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Neutropenic precautions focus on preventing infections.

B. Droplet Precautions: Droplet precautions are used when dealing with respiratory infections that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or sneezing. This is not the primary concern for a child with leukemia and a low platelet count, as the main risk is bleeding due to the low platelet count.

C. Bleeding Precautions: Leukemia, especially in a child with a critically low platelet count, puts the child at a high risk of bleeding. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and when they are severely decreased, even minor injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. The nurse should take precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding. This includes avoiding invasive procedures, using a soft toothbrush, and ensuring that the child does not participate in activities that could result in injury.

D. Contact Precautions: Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through direct contact. While a child with leukemia may have a weakened immune system and be at risk of infections, the primary concern in this case is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Contact precautions are more relevant in cases of contagious diseases where physical contact could transmit the infection.