A nurse is caring for an 8-month-old child who starts to cry when his parents leave. The nurse should make which of the following statements to the parents?

A. Give the child a stuffed animal: Providing a comforting item like a stuffed animal can help the child feel more secure and may offer some comfort during the parent's absence. This option is appropriate as it addresses the child's emotional needs.

B. Inform the child that her parent will be back in 2 hours: While it's helpful to provide reassurance to the child, a 2-year-old may not fully understand the concept of time, and telling them that their parent will return in 2 hours may not effectively alleviate their distress. This option may not be as immediately comforting as providing a tangible source of comfort.

C. Call the parent to return to the child's room: If possible, having the parent return to the child's room can provide the most direct comfort and reassurance to the child during a tantrum. However, it may not always be feasible for the parent to return immediately, especially if they are occupied or attending to other responsibilities.

D. Leave the child alone in the room for 5 minutes: Leaving the child alone during a tantrum can exacerbate feelings of distress and abandonment, potentially escalating the situation further. It's essential to provide support and reassurance to the child during moments of distress rather than leaving them alone.

A. Withhold opioids to avoid dependence.

This option is incorrect. Opioid analgesics are commonly used to manage the severe pain associated with sickle cell crisis. Withholding opioids during a crisis could lead to inadequate pain relief and compromise the adolescent's comfort and recovery. It's important to appropriately administer opioids as prescribed to alleviate pain and suffering.

B. Assist RN with administering a blood transfusion.

This option may be appropriate depending on the severity and indications of the sickle cell crisis. Blood transfusions are sometimes used to treat sickle cell crises, particularly in cases of severe anemia or acute complications such as acute chest syndrome. However, the decision to administer a blood transfusion should be made by the healthcare provider based on the individual patient's clinical status and needs. The nurse's role would include assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the administration of the transfusion and monitoring the adolescent for any adverse reactions.

C. Initiate a 2 L/day fluid restriction.

This option is incorrect. During a sickle cell crisis, it is important to maintain adequate hydration to help prevent dehydration and reduce the viscosity of blood, which can help prevent sickling of red blood cells. Fluid intake should be encouraged, and there is typically no need for fluid restriction unless there are specific medical reasons to do so.

D. Encourage exercise.

This option is incorrect. During a sickle cell crisis, the adolescent is likely experiencing significant pain and discomfort, which may limit their ability to engage in physical activity. Encouraging exercise during a crisis could exacerbate pain and potentially lead to complications. Rest and minimizing physical exertion are typically recommended during a sickle cell crisis to promote comfort and conserve energy.