A nurse is reviewing the medical record of an adolescent and notes a calcium level of 11.4 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Maintain night splints to the affected joint: Night splints help maintain joint position and function during sleep, preventing contractures and deformities. This is a common intervention in managing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to ensure proper joint alignment and minimize pain and stiffness.

B. Encourage the child to take daytime naps: Daytime naps can lead to prolonged periods of immobility, which may increase stiffness and pain in joints. Maintaining regular activity and exercise is usually recommended to preserve joint function.

C. Administer opioids on a schedule: Opioids are not typically first-line treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis due to potential side effects and risk of dependence. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are more commonly used.

D. Apply cool compresses for 20 min every hour: Cool compresses may provide temporary relief for acute joint pain but are not recommended on a regular schedule due to risk of skin damage and reduced joint flexibility. Heat application is more commonly used for chronic pain relief in arthritis.

A. Ask the child what he knows about the procedure. Understanding the child’s knowledge and feelings about the procedure helps tailor the explanation to address any misconceptions and reduce anxiety. This is the first step in providing appropriate and effective education.

B. Allow the child to see and touch IV tubing and supplies. Familiarizing the child with the equipment can reduce fear, but it is better to first assess what the child knows and address any concerns or fears before showing the supplies.

C. Describe the procedure using visual aids. Using visual aids to explain the procedure is helpful, but it should follow assessing the child’s current understanding to ensure the explanation is appropriate and comprehensive.

D. Explain to the child's parents what role they will have during the procedure. Involving the parents and explaining their role is important, but the child’s understanding and comfort should be addressed first to ensure they are calm and prepared for the procedure.