# A client with sickle cell disease has severe leg pain and signs of dehydration. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A client with sickle cell disease has severe leg pain and signs of dehydration. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

## Option

1. Apply cold packs to the painful extremities.
2. Encourage ambulation until the pain decreases.
3. Administer prescribed pain medication and IV fluids. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Restrict fluids to prevent edema.

**Correct answer: 3**

## 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.

## Related questions

- [A nurse is caring for an alert adult client with type 1 diabetes who reports tremors, swea…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=360524&lang=en)
- [A 68-year-old client with COPD is admitted with shortness of breath and SpO2 86% on room a…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362940&lang=en)
- [A 58-year-old client arrives at the emergency department with crushing substernal chest pa…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=362976&lang=en)
- [A 72-year-old client is brought to the emergency department by family who report that the …](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=363003&lang=en)
- [A 79-year-old client is admitted from a long-term care facility with diarrhea, decreased o…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=363089&lang=en)
- [A 76-year-old female with chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation receives digoxin 0…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374883&lang=en)
- [A 70-year-old client on long-term digoxin therapy reports new yellow-green halos around li…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374884&lang=en)
- [A 58-year-old client with type 2 diabetes mellitus and migraine prophylaxis is taking prop…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=374893&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397266&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._