A nurse is providing postoperative care for a child following an arterial cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Preparing to administer a potassium IV bolus is not typically indicated in sickle cell crisis unless there is a documented potassium deficiency. Potassium levels must be carefully monitored to avoid hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason: Providing hydration both orally and intravenously is crucial in managing sickle cell crisis. Hydration helps to reduce blood viscosity and improve circulation, which can alleviate the pain and prevent further sickling of red blood cells.

Choice C reason: Requesting a prescription for meperidine is not recommended for pain management in sickle cell crisis due to the risk of seizures and other side effects. Other pain medications, such as morphine, are preferred.

Choice D reason: Administering multiple units of platelets is not a standard treatment for sickle cell crisis. Platelet transfusion is typically reserved for patients with thrombocytopenia or active bleeding, not for sickle cell crisis.

Choice A reason: Producing tears when crying is not typically a sign of severe dehydration. In fact, the ability to produce tears may suggest that the infant is not severely dehydrated.

Choice B reason: A sunken anterior fontanel is a classic sign of severe dehydration in infants. The fontanel, which is the soft spot on the top of a baby's head, can appear sunken when there is significant fluid loss.

Choice C reason: While weight loss can be a sign of dehydration, a 5% weight loss alone does not necessarily indicate severe dehydration. Other clinical signs should also be considered.

Choice D reason: A capillary refill time of 3 seconds is at the upper limit of normal. Prolonged capillary refill time can be a sign of dehydration, but it is not as specific as a sunken anterior fontanel for severe dehydration.