A patient with sickle cell disease has developed cellulitis above the left ankle. Which action is the nurse's priority for this patient?

Choice A reason: Fluid volume overload is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Instead, patients with diabetes insipidus often experience fluid volume deficit due to excessive urine output.

Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia is not a characteristic problem of diabetes insipidus. This condition involves an imbalance in water regulation due to insufficient production or response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), rather than issues related to blood glucose levels.

Choice C reason: Nocturia, or frequent urination at night, is a common problem in diabetes insipidus. Patients with this condition produce large amounts of dilute urine, which can lead to frequent nighttime urination.

Choice D reason: Generalized edema is not a typical problem in diabetes insipidus. Edema is more commonly associated with conditions involving fluid retention, such as heart failure or kidney disease, rather than the excessive fluid loss seen in diabetes insipidus.

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.