During an episode of status epilepticus of a hospitalized child, what is the priority intervention?

A. Mindfulness meditation techniques are effective strategies for managing stress and improving emotional well-being. These techniques help staff process their feelings and reduce anxiety, allowing for better coping with the emotional demands of caring for terminally ill children.

B. Work extended shifts is not recommended. Long shifts without adequate breaks contribute to burnout and fatigue, which can impair the ability to provide quality care and negatively affect staff well-being.

C. Develop professional support systems is critical. Building a support network with peers, supervisors, or mental health professionals can help staff process difficult emotions and prevent burnout.

D. Take sleep aids at night is not an ideal solution. While sleep is essential for stress management, reliance on sleep aids can lead to dependency and does not address the underlying stress or emotional challenges. Healthy sleep hygiene practices are more beneficial in the long term.

E. Attend funeral services if desired can be a meaningful way for staff to express their grief and provide closure. It also offers an opportunity for emotional support, which is crucial in maintaining emotional health after working with terminally ill children.

A. Crushing iron supplements and mixing them with applesauce may make the medication easier to take, but it does not directly improve absorption. In fact, crushing tablets could alter the formulation and absorption, especially if the iron supplement is enteric-coated.

B. Administering iron with a glass of milk can actually inhibit absorption because calcium, which is found in milk, can interfere with the absorption of iron.

C. While tarry green stools are a common side effect of iron supplements, this is not a reason to discontinue the medication unless instructed by the healthcare provider.

D. This is the correct answer. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. Administering the supplement with a vitamin C-rich drink, such as orange juice, helps maximize iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.