What exercise should be included in the care plan for a school-age child with sickle cell disease experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis?

In a care plan for a school-age child with sickle cell disease experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis, passive range of motion (ROM) exercises are the most appropriate. This type of exercise helps maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness without causing undue stress or pain to the child, which is critical during a crisis when the child may experience significant pain and discomfort.

Vaso-occlusive crises are characterized by painful blockages in blood flow due to sickled red blood cells, leading to oxygen deprivation in tissues. During such events, it is essential to avoid activities that could exacerbate pain or result in additional stress on the body. Passive ROM exercises can be performed by a caregiver or therapist and do not require the child to exert themselves, making it safer and more comfortable during a painful episode.

Active stretching exercises, while beneficial for flexibility, require the child to engage their muscles, which may not be advisable during a crisis due to the risk of pain and fatigue. Intensive aerobic workouts and static weight lifting are generally not suitable for a child in this condition, as they place significant physical stress on the body, potentially worsening the child's symptoms and pain levels. Therefore, the focus during a vaso-occlusive crisis should remain on gentle, supportive movements like passive ROM