A nurse is teaching the parents of a 6-year-old child who has sickle cell anemia about managing the disease. The nurse should emphasize the importance of which of the following factors to prevent a sickle cell crisis?

Rationale:

A. "Refrain from doing any exercises until your symptoms show improvement.": Completely avoiding exercise is not necessary for most people with asthma and can negatively impact cardiovascular health. The goal is to control symptoms so that safe activity is possible.

B. "Use your long-acting beta agonist inhaler after exercise-induced symptoms appear.": Long-acting beta agonists are used for maintenance therapy, not for quick relief. They are not appropriate for immediate symptom control before or after exercise.

C. "Use your short-acting beta agonist inhaler before exercising.": Short-acting beta agonists, such as albuterol, can be taken 5–20 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. This is the recommended approach for clients with exercise-triggered asthma.

D. "It is safe to exercise if your peak flow meter measures in the red zone.": The red zone indicates severe airway narrowing and poor asthma control, requiring immediate medical attention. Exercise in this state could worsen symptoms and lead to respiratory distress.

Rationale for indicated actions:

• Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at least 90/60 mm Hg: The nurse should follow the ordered transfusion rate and not titrate it based on blood pressure. The priority is to transfuse the blood safely and at the prescribed rate, while monitoring the client's response. Blood pressure will improve as the blood volume is restored.
• Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: This is necessary to correct the client’s anemia (Hgb 9.1 g/dL, Hct 27%) and address the suspected acute blood loss indicated by positive hemoccult stool and hemodynamic changes.
• Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: Accurate documentation ensures legal compliance, tracks the administration, and records the client’s response, including any adverse events, supporting continuity of care.
• Stay with the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: Most transfusion reactions occur during the first 15 minutes. Close observation allows for immediate intervention if the client develops fever, hypotension, or other adverse effects.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer's solution: Lactated Ringer’s contains calcium which can cause clotting in the transfusion line. Using LR can lead to hemolysis or transfusion complications. Only 0.9% sodium chloride should be used for flushing or running alongside blood transfusions.