A nurse is providing teaching about iron deficiency anemia to the parents of an infant. Which of the following should the nurse recommend as a method of preventing iron deficiency anemia?

Choice A: A 10-year-old child who has sickle cell anemia and reports severe chest pain should be assessed first, as this is a sign of acute chest syndrome, which is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease. Acute chest syndrome occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow to the lungs, causing hypoxia, inflammation, and infection. Acute chest syndrome can lead to respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, or stroke.

Choice B: A 7-year-old child who has diabetes insipidus and a urine specific gravity of 1.016 should be assessed second, as this is a sign of dehydration, which is a common complication of diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or does not respond to it properly, resulting in excessive urination and thirst. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance, hypotension, or shock.

Choice C: A 4-year-old child who has asthma and an O2 sat of 97% should be assessed third, as this is a sign of adequate oxygenation, which is a desired outcome of asthma management. Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, irritants, exercise, or infections.

Choice D: A 1-year-old toddler who has roseola and a temperature of 39°C/102.2°F should be assessed last, as this is a sign of a mild viral infection, which is self-limiting and usually resolves within a week. Roseola is a common childhood illness that causes a high fever followed by a pink rash on the trunk, face, and limbs. Roseola can also cause irritability, swollen lymph nodes, or mild diarrhea.

Choice A: Reducing environmental stimuli can help decrease the discomfort and agitation of a child who has meningitis, as they may experience headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. However, this action is not the priority, as it does not address the cause of the infection or prevent complications.

Choice B: Documenting intake and output can help monitor the fluid balance and hydration status of a child who has meningitis, as they may have fever, vomiting, and decreased oral intake. However, this action is not the priority, as it does not address the cause of the infection or prevent complications.

Choice C: Administering antibiotics when available can help treat the bacterial infection that causes meningitis and prevent serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or death. This action is the priority, as it can save the child's life and improve their outcome.

Choice D: Maintaining seizure precautions can help protect the child from injury and provide safety measures in case of a seizure, as meningitis can cause increased intracranial pressure and seizures. However, this action is not the priority, as it does not address the cause of the infection or prevent complications.