The nurse is caring for a patient in sickle cell crisis. What is the rationale for providing warm compresses and blankets for this patient?
Heat relaxes the muscles and distracts the patient from the pain.
Sickle cell crisis pain can be exacerbated with shivering.
Heat promotes proper formation of red blood cells (RBCs) and prevents sickling.
Heat increases circulation by preventing vasoconstriction.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Heat relaxes the muscles and distracts the patient from the pain. While warmth can provide comfort, the main goal is to improve circulation rather than distraction.
B. Sickle cell crisis pain can be exacerbated with shivering. Although shivering may be uncomfortable, it is not the primary reason for using heat during a sickle cell crisis.
C. Heat promotes proper formation of red blood cells (RBCs) and prevents sickling. Heat does not affect RBC formation or prevent sickling. The condition of sickling is due to genetic factors, not temperature.
D. Heat increases circulation by preventing vasoconstriction. In sickle cell crisis, warmth helps prevent vasoconstriction, which can reduce blood flow to areas already compromised by sickled cells. Preventing vasoconstriction may help alleviate pain and improve circulation.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 2 hr: While some patients may tolerate faster infusion rates, the maximum safe time is 4 hours, and there is no requirement to complete it in 2 hours.
B. 8 hr: Blood cannot be left out for 8 hours due to the increased risk of bacterial growth and contamination.
C. 6 hr: Infusing blood over 6 hours exceeds the safe time limit and poses a risk of bacterial contamination.
D. 4 hr: To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, a unit of packed RBCs must be transfused within 4 hours of starting the infusion. This time frame ensures that the blood remains safe for the patient while minimizing exposure to room temperature.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stop the transfusion: Stopping the transfusion is the priority action to prevent further exposure to the antigen causing the reaction.
B. Administer diphenhydramine: Administering diphenhydramine is an appropriate intervention for allergic reactions, but stopping the transfusion should be done first to halt the reaction source.
C. Obtain vital signs. Obtaining vital signs is important but should follow stopping the transfusion to address the immediate risk of reaction.
D. Notify the registered nurse: Notifying the registered nurse is necessary but comes after stopping the transfusion to immediately mitigate the reaction.