Which of the following should the nurse include when teaching a parent about the administration of ferrous sulfate to a 4-year-old child? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason:

Monitor your child’s temperature daily: Monitoring temperature is important for children with sickle cell anemia as they are prone to infections. A fever can be an early sign of infection, which can be serious for these children. Normal body temperature for children ranges from 36.5°C to 38°C. However, while monitoring temperature is important, it is not the most critical daily advice compared to ensuring adequate hydration.

Choice B Reason:

Restrict outdoor play to 1 hour per day: Limiting outdoor play is not typically necessary unless the child is experiencing extreme fatigue or pain. Physical activity is generally encouraged to maintain overall health, but it should be balanced with rest and hydration. Therefore, this advice is not as crucial as ensuring the child stays hydrated.

Choice C Reason:

Apply cold compresses when your child expresses pain: Cold compresses are not recommended for managing pain in sickle cell anemia. Instead, warm compresses or heating pads are often suggested to help relieve pain by improving blood flow. Cold can cause vasoconstriction, which may worsen pain and complications.

Choice D Reason:

Offer your child fluids frequently to meet their daily fluid goals: Staying well-hydrated is essential for children with sickle cell anemia. Adequate hydration helps prevent sickle cell crises by reducing blood viscosity and promoting better blood flow. This is the most appropriate and critical advice for daily care.

Choice A: Apply antibiotic ointment to pin sites daily

Applying antibiotic ointment to pin sites daily is not relevant in the context of Buck extension traction. Buck’s traction is a type of skin traction, which does not involve pins or pin sites. Pin site care is typically associated with skeletal traction, where pins are inserted directly into the bone.

Choice B: Remove the traction boot during baths

Removing the traction boot during baths is not recommended. The traction boot should remain in place to maintain the alignment and immobilization of the affected limb. Removing the boot can disrupt the traction and potentially worsen the condition.

Choice C: Assess neurovascular status every 2 hours

Assessing neurovascular status every 2 hours is crucial for a child in Buck extension traction. This involves checking the circulation, sensation, and movement of the affected limb to ensure there are no complications such as nerve damage or impaired blood flow. Regular neurovascular assessments help in early detection and prevention of complications.

Choice D: Reduce fluid intake

Reducing fluid intake is not a standard care practice for a child in Buck extension traction. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and recovery. There is no indication that fluid intake should be restricted in this scenario.