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

The reticulocyte count is a measure of young, immature red blood cells. An elevated reticulocyte count indicates the bone marrow's ability to respond to anemia by producing new red blood cells.

For an infant, a reticulocyte count of 8% would be an indicator of severe anemia. An elevated reticulocyte count suggests the body is trying to compensate for the decreased number of mature red blood cells by producing more young ones. This is often seen in severe anemia as the body attempts to increase the red blood cell count.

The other options (A, C, and D) represent normal or less severe reticulocyte counts.

A reticulocyte count of 3% is within the normal range.

A reticulocyte count of 0.5% is on the lower side but not as severe as 8%.

A reticulocyte count of 5% indicates a response to anemia but is not as elevated as 8%.

A. Obtaining a throat culture and B. visualizing the epiglottis with a tongue depressor are not safe actions for the nurse to perform without appropriate medical equipment and expertise. These actions can trigger a sudden airway obstruction in a child with epiglottitis. The priority is to ensure airway patency and seek immediate medical assistance.

C. Place the child in an upright position.

Suspected epiglottitis is a medical emergency that can result in rapid airway obstruction. Placing the child in an upright position helps improve airflow by allowing the throat to open and reduces the risk of complete airway obstruction. It's important not to perform invasive procedures (such as throat culture or visualization of the epiglottis) without proper medical equipment and expertise, as these actions can lead to worsening airway obstruction.

D. Transporting the child to radiology for a throat x-ray is not appropriate in this situation, as it may delay necessary interventions to secure the airway.