An adolescent experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis reports right knee pain. Which is the most appropriate intervention?

A. Positive Western blot test: A positive Western blot test confirms HIV infection but doesn't provide information about the current immune status or progression of the disease.

B. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm³.

The CD4-T-cell count is a crucial indicator of a person's immune system function, and it's a primary marker used to monitor the progression of HIV infection. A CD4 count of 180 cells/mm³ is significantly below the normal range (which is typically higher), indicating immunosuppression and an increased risk of opportunistic infections. Maintaining and improving immune function is a top priority in the care of clients with HIV.

C. Platelets 150,000/mm³: Platelet counts are important, but they are not the primary indicator for assessing the progression of HIV.

D. WBC 5.000/mm³: The white blood cell count (WBC) is important for assessing overall immune function, but it doesn't provide the same specific information about the immune system status as the CD4-T-cell count.

A. Neutropenic Precautions: Neutropenia refers to a low neutrophil count, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections. While children with leukemia are at risk for neutropenia due to the disease and its treatment, the primary concern in this scenario is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Neutropenic precautions focus on preventing infections.

B. Droplet Precautions: Droplet precautions are used when dealing with respiratory infections that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or sneezing. This is not the primary concern for a child with leukemia and a low platelet count, as the main risk is bleeding due to the low platelet count.

C. Bleeding Precautions: Leukemia, especially in a child with a critically low platelet count, puts the child at a high risk of bleeding. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and when they are severely decreased, even minor injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. The nurse should take precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding. This includes avoiding invasive procedures, using a soft toothbrush, and ensuring that the child does not participate in activities that could result in injury.

D. Contact Precautions: Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through direct contact. While a child with leukemia may have a weakened immune system and be at risk of infections, the primary concern in this case is the critically low platelet count and the risk of bleeding. Contact precautions are more relevant in cases of contagious diseases where physical contact could transmit the infection.