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 reason: Typing and crossing for transfusion prepares for severe bleeding, but initial action should control the bleed directly; hemophilia causes joint bleeds needing immediate local management first. Choice B reason: Monitoring vital signs tracks stability, but it’s secondary to stopping active bleeding in hemophilia; a swollen knee needs direct intervention before systemic assessment takes priority. Choice C reason: Applying ice and compression reduces bleeding and swelling in a hemophiliac joint bleed, the first step to stabilize the injury before further interventions like transfusion or IV. Choice D reason: Initiating an IV with saline supports hydration or factor replacement, but controlling the bleed with ice and compression is the urgent first action in hemophilia management.