A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for an adolescent client who has sickle cell anemia and is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Decrease daily oral fluid intake.
Maintain bed rest to prevent hypoxemia.
Apply cold compresses to painful joints.
Administer meperidine to eliminate a fever.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Decrease daily oral fluid intake. Rationale: This choice is not appropriate for a client experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In this crisis, there is a risk of dehydration due to increased fluid loss, and decreasing oral fluid intake would exacerbate this issue. Adequate hydration is important to prevent further sickling of red blood cells and maintain organ perfusion.
Choice B rationale:
Maintain bed rest to prevent hypoxemia. Rationale: This is the correct choice. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, blood flow to certain tissues is restricted, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Bed rest is recommended to reduce metabolic demands and oxygen consumption, helping to prevent further tissue damage and improve oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of complications such as thrombosis and respiratory compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Apply cold compresses to painful joints. Rationale: Applying cold compresses is not a recommended intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Cold can exacerbate vasoconstriction and further compromise blood flow to the affected tissues. Warm compresses or warm baths might be more appropriate to promote vasodilation and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale:
Administer meperidine to eliminate a fever. Rationale: Administering meperidine solely to eliminate a fever is not the primary focus of care for a vaso-occlusive crisis. The priority is to manage pain and improve tissue perfusion. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used to manage severe pain associated with sickle cell crises, but it should be given with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression and the potential for addiction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Apply cold packs to the lower abdomen. This is the correct answer because applying cold packs to the lower abdomen can help alleviate dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps). Cold therapy helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and thus reducing pain. It's a non-pharmacological approach to managing menstrual cramps.
Choice B rationale:
Increase daily intake of fat. Increasing fat intake is not a recommended approach for managing dysmenorrhea. Balanced nutrition is important, but increasing fat intake is unlikely to significantly impact menstrual cramps. Other strategies are more effective.
Choice C rationale:
Massage the lower back area. Massaging the lower back can help with muscle relaxation and may provide some relief, but it is not as effective as applying cold packs to the lower abdomen for dysmenorrhea. Cold packs specifically target blood flow reduction to the area of pain.
Choice D rationale:
Limit physical activity. While it's generally a good idea to avoid strenuous physical activity during periods of intense pain, limiting physical activity alone is not the most effective strategy for managing dysmenorrhea. Cold packs and other interventions are more likely to provide relief.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Adolescents are at a stage of development where body image and appearance are of significant importance. Discussing how the procedure might affect the client's appearance allows the nurse to address the adolescent's concerns and fears related to changes in their body. This can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control over the situation, fostering a more positive psychological response to the surgery.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding involving the client in decisions regarding treatment (Choice B) would not be appropriate for an adolescent. Adolescents are at a stage where they are developing autonomy and decision-making skills. Excluding them from decisions about their treatment could lead to feelings of powerlessness and hinder their sense of control.
Choice C rationale:
Emphasizing that the procedure is not a punishment (Choice C) might be suitable for younger children who might associate medical procedures with punishment. However, adolescents typically do not perceive medical procedures as punishments, so this explanation may not address their specific concerns.
Choice D rationale:
Keeping equipment out of the client's sight (Choice D) might be more relevant for younger children who might be frightened by medical equipment. Adolescents are generally better able to comprehend and cope with the presence of medical equipment. Open communication about the procedure and addressing their concerns directly would be more beneficial.
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