A school-aged child is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis. Which measure in the child’s care plan should be given priority?
Encouraging the child to take deep breaths hourly.
Maintaining fluids through an intravenous line.
Beginning active range-of-motion exercises.
Seeing that the child ingests a protein-rich diet.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Encouraging deep breaths hourly can help prevent atelectasis and improve oxygenation, but it is not the priority in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary issue in a vaso-occlusive crisis is the blockage of blood flow due to sickled cells, leading to pain and potential organ damage. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial, they do not directly address the underlying cause of the crisis.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining fluids through an intravenous line is crucial in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Hydration helps to reduce blood viscosity, which can prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve blood flow. Adequate hydration is essential to minimize the risk of complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Therefore, maintaining IV fluids is a priority intervention in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Beginning active range-of-motion exercises can help prevent joint stiffness and maintain mobility, but it is not the priority during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis. The primary focus should be on managing pain, ensuring adequate hydration, and preventing complications. Once the acute phase is managed, physical therapy and exercises can be introduced to support long- term health and mobility.
Choice D rationale
Seeing that the child ingests a protein-rich diet is important for overall health and growth, especially in children with chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia. However, during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis, the immediate priority is to manage pain, ensure hydration, and prevent complications. Nutritional support can be addressed once the acute crisis is under control.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is suitable for assessing pain in infants and young children who cannot verbally communicate their pain. It evaluates five criteria to determine the level of pain.
Choice B rationale
The FACES scale is more appropriate for children aged 3 years and older who can point to the face that best represents their pain level.
Choice C rationale
The OUCHER scale is also designed for older children who can understand and use the photographic or numerical scale to indicate their pain.
Choice D rationale
The PANAD scale is used for assessing pain in patients with advanced dementia and is not suitable for infants.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
High fever is a common finding in children experiencing sickle cell crisis. The crisis is often triggered by infections, which can cause fever. The sickled red blood cells can block blood flow, leading to tissue ischemia and necrosis, which can also contribute to fever.
Choice B rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with sickle cell crisis. The crisis usually causes an increased heart rate due to pain and the body’s stress response.
Choice C rationale
Constipation is not a common finding in sickle cell crisis. The primary symptoms are related to pain and vaso-occlusion, which can cause severe pain and other complications.
Choice D rationale
Decreased respiratory rate is not a typical finding in sickle cell crisis. The crisis can cause respiratory distress due to pain and hypoxia, leading to an increased respiratory rate.