The client with sickle cell disease (SCD) has recently been sick and is now experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which priority interventions should the nurse implement?
Encourage frequent ambulation in the hallways
Monitor the client's RBC count every 4 hours
Treat them in an outpatient setting
Maintain IV fluids, administer pain medications, and provide supplemental oxygen
The Correct Answer is D
A. Encouraging frequent ambulation is not appropriate during a vaso-occlusive crisis, as it can exacerbate pain and further compromise blood flow.
B. While monitoring the RBC count is important, it is not the most immediate intervention during a crisis. The focus should be on managing pain and preventing complications.
C. Treating the client in an outpatient setting is inappropriate during a vaso-occlusive crisis, which typically requires inpatient care for effective pain management and hydration.
D. Maintaining IV fluids, administering pain medications, and providing supplemental oxygen are critical interventions that address the acute needs of the client in crisis, aiming to alleviate pain and improve oxygenation.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diarrhea is not a typical finding associated with anemia from blood loss; it may occur for other reasons but is not directly related to low hemoglobin levels.
B. Fatigue is a common symptom in clients with anemia, particularly when hemoglobin levels are low, as there is reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to feelings of weakness and tiredness.
C. Hypertension is unlikely to be present in a client with significant blood loss; instead, hypotension may be more expected due to reduced blood volume.
D. Bradycardia is not typically associated with anemia; in fact, tachycardia (increased heart rate) is more common as the body tries to compensate for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While deep breathing can help alleviate pain, it is not the primary cause of pain in sickle cell anemia; this response could minimize the client's experience.
B. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like a sickle, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to vaso-occlusive crises, resulting in pain.
C. Although sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, simply stating that the mutated gene causes increased pain is too vague and does not explain the pain mechanism adequately.
D. While anemia can contribute to fatigue and some discomfort, the pain in sickle cell anemia is primarily due to the sickling of red blood cells and subsequent blockage of blood flow, rather than just the lack of hemoglobin.