A nurse is planning to reinforce teaching with a preschooler who is about to undergo an incision and

drainage for cellulitis on the left arm. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.

B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.

C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.

D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.

E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.

- A. Encourage the client to take a cool sponge bath each morning is not correct because it can increase joint stiffness and pain.

- B. Administer opioid analgesia is not correct because it is not the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and can cause dependence and tolerance.

- C. Increase the client's dietary iron intake is indicate in rheumatoid arthritis due to anemia of chronic inflammation.

- D. Restrict the client's intake of foods high in purines is incorrect in rheumatoid. It is an important measure in gouty arthritis.