A mother brings her male preschooler to the clinic because he has had diarrhea, vomiting, and high fevers for the past three days.

The child begins to cry and cling to his mother when the nurse enters the examination room.

Which action should the nurse implement to get the child to cooperate?

Choice A rationale

The client has a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL and a hematocrit of 34%, which are within normal ranges for a postpartum woman. A blood transfusion is typically indicated for severe anemia or significant blood loss, neither of which is suggested by these lab results. Therefore, a blood transfusion is not warranted in this case.

Choice B rationale

Rubella vaccination is indicated for a client who is non-immune to rubella, as indicated by the laboratory results. Rubella vaccination is important to protect the client from contracting rubella in future pregnancies, which can cause serious congenital defects. Since the client is not currently pregnant and not immune, vaccination can be safely administered postpartum to prevent future rubella infections.

Choice C rationale

Penicillin G potassium is an antibiotic that might be used for a client who is group B Streptococcus positive to prevent neonatal infection during delivery. However, this client is group B Streptococcus negative, so there is no indication for this antibiotic. There is no need to administer Penicillin G potassium in this scenario.

Choice D rationale

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin is used for newborns of mothers who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus. Since the client's lab results indicate she is hepatitis B surface antigen negative, there is no need for Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. The client and her newborn are not at risk of hepatitis B transmission, so this intervention is not required. .

Choice A rationale

Iron is essential for preventing anemia, particularly in pregnant women, but it does not prevent neural tube defects like anencephaly. Iron supports overall maternal and fetal health but is not specific to preventing congenital anomalies.

Choice B rationale

Calcium is crucial for fetal bone development and maternal bone health, but it does not play a role in preventing anencephaly. Adequate calcium intake is important during pregnancy but is not linked to neural tube defect prevention.

Choice C rationale

Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function but does not prevent neural tube defects. Sufficient vitamin D levels are necessary for the mother's and baby's health but are not related to anencephaly prevention.

Choice D rationale

Folic acid is the correct choice as it has been shown to prevent neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida. It is recommended that women of childbearing age take folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of these congenital anomalies.