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?

A. A client who is taking warfarin and has started to breastfeed: Warfarin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, the infant’s coagulation status should be monitored, and follow-up with the healthcare provider is appropriate to ensure safety.

B. A client who is taking bumetanide and reports an increase in urinary frequency: Increased urination is an expected pharmacologic effect of loop diuretics like bumetanide. This finding does not require follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

C. A client who received a Mantoux test 48 hr ago and has an induration: A positive Mantoux test requires interpretation by a healthcare provider, but the presence of induration alone is a normal finding that triggers standard follow-up for tuberculosis screening.

D. A client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy and is taking sodium phosphate: Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a bowel prep for colonoscopy. As long as the client follows the prescribed instructions and has no contraindications, this does not require additional follow-up.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Skin feels cool to the touch: Cool skin indicates poor peripheral perfusion, which can signal early hypovolemic shock in a child with burns. Prompt assessment and interventions, such as fluid resuscitation, are necessary.
• Capillary refill 3 seconds in left foot: Delayed capillary refill reflects compromised circulation and decreased tissue perfusion. Early recognition and intervention help prevent progression to shock.
• Blood pressure 102/50 mm Hg: Mild hypotension combined with tachycardia, cool skin, and delayed capillary refill suggests early hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention.
• Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F): Hypothermia can occur due to heat loss from burn injuries, increasing the risk for coagulopathy, impaired wound healing, and further hemodynamic instability.
• Output of 25 mL dark amber urine through catheter: Low and concentrated urine output indicates possible dehydration or reduced renal perfusion, which can progress to acute kidney injury if not addressed urgently.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Respiratory rate 20/min: Although slightly decreased from admission, this is within a near-normal range for an 8-year-old and not immediately concerning. Continuous monitoring is appropriate, but it is not an urgent priority compared with perfusion and hemodynamic indicators.
• Dressing on left hand shows small amount of moisture through gauze: Minor moisture in the dressing may reflect mild wound exudate, which requires routine monitoring and dressing changes. It does not indicate an immediate life-threatening risk.