Which should the nurse teach about prevention of sickle cell crises to parents of a preschool child with sickle cell disease (Select all that apply)?

Question

a. Limit fluids at bedtime.
b. Notify the health care provider if a fever of 38.5° C (101.3° F) or greater occurs.
c. Give penicillin as prescribed.
d. Use ice packs to decrease the discomfort of vaso-occlusive pain in the legs.
e. Notify the health care provider if your child begins to develop symptoms of a cold.

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, E
The most important issues to teach the family of a child with sickle cell anemia are to (1) seek early intervention for problems, such as a fever of 38.5° C (101.3° F) or greater; (2) give penicillin as ordered; (3) recognize signs and symptoms of splenic sequestration, as well as respiratory problems that can lead to hypoxia; and (4) treat the child normally. The nurse emphasizes the importance of adequate hydration to prevent sickling and to delay the adhesion–stasis–thrombosis–ischemia cycle. It is not sufficient to advise parents to "force fluids" or "encourage drinking." They need specific instructions on how many daily glasses or bottles of fluid are required. Many foods are also a source of fluid, particularly soups, flavored ice pops, ice cream, sherbet, gelatin, and puddings. Increased fluids combined with impaired kidney function result in the problem of enuresis. Parents who are unaware of this fact frequently use the usual measures to discourage bedwetting, such as limiting fluids at night. Enuresis is treated as a complication of the disease, such as joint pain or some other symptom, to alleviate parental pressure on the child. Ice should not be used during a vaso-occlusive pain crisis because it vasoconstricts and impairs circulation even more.