A client with sickle cell disease has severe leg pain and si… | MyMerci
Medical EmergenciesPA
Question
A client with sickle cell disease has severe leg pain and signs of dehydration. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
1Apply cold packs to the painful extremities.
2Encourage ambulation until the pain decreases.
3Administer prescribed pain medication and IV fluids.✓ Correct answer
4Restrict fluids to prevent edema.
Explanation
Vaso-occlusive crisis management focuses on pain control, hydration, oxygenation if needed, and treating triggers. Cold can worsen vasoconstriction, and ambulation during severe pain may increase oxygen demand. Fluid restriction can worsen sickling risk when dehydration is present.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide For Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
Caution Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Key concepts
Sickle Cell Disease — A genetic disorder in which red blood cells can sickle and obstruct blood flow.
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis — Painful obstruction of small blood vessels by sickled cells.
Hydration — Fluid support used to maintain circulation and reduce sickling triggers.