Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has sickle cell anemia about managing the disease at home. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Report sudden, persistent headaches. Sickle cell anemia can lead to complications like stroke, which can manifest as sudden, persistent headaches. Prompt reporting is essential for timely intervention. Applying cold compresses (B) may worsen vaso-occlusive crisis. Fluid intake should be encouraged (C) to prevent dehydration. Meningococcal immunizations (D) are crucial for individuals with sickle cell anemia to prevent serious infections.