A nurse is teaching the parents of a 6-year-old child who has sickle cell anemia about managing the disease. The nurse should emphasize the importance of which of the following factors to prevent a sickle cell crisis?

Rationale: A. Adequate hydration: Maintaining proper fluid intake helps reduce blood viscosity and prevents sickling of red blood cells. Dehydration is a common trigger for sickle cell crises, so emphasizing hydration is crucial for prevention. B. Increased iron intake: Most clients with sickle cell anemia do not require additional iron unless they have documented iron deficiency. Excess iron can accumulate and cause complications, especially in those receiving frequent transfusions. C. Calorie restriction: Restricting calories is not recommended, as children with sickle cell anemia often have increased metabolic needs due to chronic hemolysis and may require adequate nutrition for growth and energy. D. A low-protein diet: Protein is important for growth, tissue repair, and overall health. A low-protein diet is not indicated and could worsen nutritional status in children with sickle cell disease.