What should a nurse recommend to include in the care plan for a child with sickle-cell disease in a vaso-occlusive crisis?

In the context of managing a child with sickle-cell disease experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis, recommending passive range-of-motion exercises is appropriate because these exercises can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness without placing additional stress on the affected areas. During a vaso-occlusive crisis, the primary goal is to alleviate pain, improve circulation, and prevent complications. Passive range-of-motion exercises can aid in preserving function in joints and muscles that may be affected by pain and limited mobility during the crisis.

Hydration is crucial during a vaso-occlusive crisis, as increased fluid intake can help to reduce blood viscosity and promote better circulation. Therefore, while passive range-of-motion is beneficial, it should ideally be combined with strategies like increasing fluid intake. High-impact exercise is not suitable as it may exacerbate pain and lead to further injury, while completely avoiding mobility is counterproductive, as some gentle movement can enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of further complications.