A 13-year-old hemophiliac is hospitalized for hemarthrosis of his right knee.

A 13-year-old hemophiliac is hospitalized for hemarthrosis of his right knee.

To relieve the pain, the nurse should:
A . Place on bed rest; elevate and splint the right knee
B . Apply moist heat to the right knee
C . Administer aspirin for pain
D . Encourage active range of motion to right knee

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Immobilization, splinting, and bed rest will reduce the bleeding. Once bleeding is reduced or stopped, the pain will subside.

(B) Moist heat causes vasodilation and bleeding. Ice or cold compresses should be applied.

(C) Aspirin decreases platelet aggregation, which causes bleeding.

(D) Active range of motion aggravates bleeding and damages the synovial sac during bleeding episodes.