Nursing care of a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents should include:

(choose one best answer)

Choice A: Using a pincer grasp indicates a need for further evaluation, as it is a developmental milestone that is usually achieved by 9 to 10 months of age. A pincer grasp is the ability to pick up small objects using the thumb and index finger. A 7-month-old infant should be able to use a raking grasp, which is the ability to scoop up objects using all fingers.

Choice B: Having a fear of strangers does not indicate a need for further evaluation, as it is a normal and expected behavior for a 7-month-old infant. A fear of strangers is a sign of attachment and recognition of familiar and unfamiliar faces. A 7-month-old infant may cry, cling, or turn away from strangers.

Choice C: Showing preferences towards foods does not indicate a need for further evaluation, as it is a normal and expected behavior for a 7-month-old infant. Showing preferences towards foods is a sign of individuality and taste development. A 7-month-old infant may accept or reject certain foods based on their flavor, texture, or appearance.

Choice D: Babbling one-syllable sounds does not indicate a need for further evaluation, as it is a normal and expected behavior for a 7-month-old infant. Babbling one-syllable sounds is a sign of language and communication development. A 7-month-old infant may make sounds such as "ba", "da", "ga", or "ma".

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.