Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease ( 15 Questions)
What interventions should the nurse prioritize when providing care for this client?
Administering pain medication as prescribed is the highest priority when caring for a client experiencing a sickling crisis in sickle cell disease. Sickle cell crises are characterized by severe pain due to vaso-occlusion, and the nurse's primary responsibility is to alleviate this pain. Pain medication helps to relieve the suffering and improve the client's overall comfort. It is crucial to administer medication promptly to prevent further complications and distress.
Encouraging the client to engage in intense physical activity is not an appropriate intervention during a sickling crisis. Physical activity can exacerbate the crisis by increasing oxygen demand, which may worsen tissue hypoxia. It is essential to encourage rest and limit physical exertion to minimize the risk of complications.
Keeping the room at a very low temperature is not a recommended intervention for a sickle cell crisis. Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, which may further worsen vaso-occlusion. Maintaining a warm and comfortable environment is more suitable to help ease the client's pain and discomfort.
Encouraging the client to smoke to relieve pain is not a safe or appropriate intervention. Smoking can lead to vasoconstriction and worsen the client's condition. It is essential to promote healthy behaviors and provide effective pain management rather than suggesting harmful practices like smoking.
Administering pain medication as prescribed.
Choice A rationale:
Administering pain medication as prescribed is the highest priority when caring for a client experiencing a sickling crisis in sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell crises are characterized by severe pain due to vaso-occlusion, and the nurse's primary responsibility is to alleviate this pain.
Pain medication helps to relieve the suffering and improve the client's overall comfort.
It is crucial to administer medication promptly to prevent further complications and distress.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to engage in intense physical activity is not an appropriate intervention during a sickling crisis.
Physical activity can exacerbate the crisis by increasing oxygen demand, which may worsen tissue hypoxia.
It is essential to encourage rest and limit physical exertion to minimize the risk of complications.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the room at a very low temperature is not a recommended intervention for a sickle cell crisis.
Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, which may further worsen vaso-occlusion.
Maintaining a warm and comfortable environment is more suitable to help ease the client's pain and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to smoke to relieve pain is not a safe or appropriate intervention.
Smoking can lead to vasoconstriction and worsen the client's condition.
It is essential to promote healthy behaviors and provide effective pain management rather than suggesting harmful practices like smoking.