A child with hemophilia arrives at the clinic with a swollen knee after falling off a bicycle. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Choice A rationale Typing and crossmatching for a possible transfusion is not the immediate priority for a child with hemophilia who has a swollen knee. While a transfusion might be necessary if there is significant bleeding, initial management should focus on controlling the bleeding and minimizing joint damage. Choice B rationale Initiating an IV site and beginning infusing normal saline is not the first action to take in this scenario. While IV access might be needed later, immediate measures should focus on controlling bleeding and reducing swelling to prevent further damage to the knee joint. Choice C rationale Monitoring the child's vital signs frequently is important, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to control the bleeding and reduce the swelling, which are the immediate concerns in this situation. Choice D rationale Applying an ice pack and compression dressing to the knee is the first action to take. This helps to control bleeding, reduce swelling, and minimize joint damage. This is a crucial step in managing hemophilia-related injuries and should be done immediately upon recognizing a swollen joint.