A patient with sickle cell disease has developed cellulitis above the left ankle. Which action is the nurse's priority for this patient?
Administer antibiotics
Start IV fluids
Assess pain every 4 hours
Maintain oxygenation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotics is essential for treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. However, it is not the immediate priority over maintaining oxygenation, especially in a patient with sickle cell disease.
Choice B reason: Starting IV fluids is crucial for preventing dehydration and helping to reduce the sickling of red blood cells. Nevertheless, while important, it is not the most urgent action compared to maintaining adequate oxygen levels.
Choice C reason: Assessing pain every 4 hours is necessary for managing the patient's comfort and monitoring the progression of the disease. Although pain management is a significant aspect of care, it is not the top priority in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Maintaining oxygenation is the highest priority for a patient with sickle cell disease. These patients are at increased risk for hypoxia, which can exacerbate the sickling of red blood cells, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome or stroke. Ensuring adequate oxygenation helps to prevent these complications and stabilizes the patient's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Endocardial infection is not commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. While it can occur, it is not a frequent infection related to chronic dementia.
Choice B reason: Brain infections, such as encephalitis, can occur but are not among the most common infections seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Choice C reason: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease due to factors such as immobility, incontinence, and the use of catheters. UTIs can exacerbate confusion and other dementia-related symptoms.
Choice D reason: Pneumonia is a common and serious infection in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Due to cognitive impairment, these patients may have difficulty swallowing, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Choice E reason: Gastrointestinal infections are not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease as a common complication. While they can occur, they are not as prevalent as UTIs and pneumonia in this patient population.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cantaloupe and cottage cheese are not particularly high in iron. While cantaloupe provides vitamin C, which can enhance iron absorption, the overall iron content of this meal is low, making it less effective for treating iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice B reason: Cornmeal muffin and orange juice offer some nutrients, including vitamin C from orange juice, which helps with iron absorption. However, cornmeal muffins do not provide significant iron content, making this choice suboptimal for iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice C reason: Strawberry and banana fruit plate provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from strawberries, but it lacks substantial iron content. This choice is not adequate for addressing iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice D reason: Omelet and whole wheat toast are excellent choices for increasing dietary iron intake. Eggs in the omelet provide heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, and whole wheat toast contains non-heme iron. Combined, they offer a balanced and effective meal for managing iron-deficiency anemia.
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