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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory status is crucial to monitor because patients with acute neurological deficits, such as those seen in strokes, are at risk of respiratory compromise. This can be due to weakened respiratory muscles or aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications.

Choice B reason: Monitoring liver enzymes is not directly related to the acute management of a stroke patient. Liver enzymes would be more relevant in cases where liver function or hepatic issues are suspected, but not for this specific scenario.

Choice C reason: Blood pressure monitoring is vital, as hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke. Maintaining appropriate blood pressure is essential to prevent further neurological damage and complications. Acute changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening or improvement of the patient's condition.

Choice D reason: Neurological status should be continuously monitored to assess the progression of the patient's stroke symptoms. This includes checking for changes in level of consciousness, motor function, speech, and other neurological signs. Prompt detection of changes can guide immediate interventions.

Choice E reason: Potassium level monitoring is not a primary focus in the acute management of stroke. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not as critical as respiratory status, blood pressure, and neurological status in this context.

A. Increased blood pressure B. Increased respiratory rate C. Increased heart rate

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Increased blood pressure is a common physiological response to pain. When a person experiences pain, the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This response is part of the body's fight-or-flight mechanism, intended to help cope with the stressful situation.

Choice B reason: Increased respiratory rate is another sign of unrelieved pain. Pain can lead to rapid, shallow breathing as the body reacts to the discomfort. This response can help deliver more oxygen to tissues during times of stress but can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and fatigue if it continues over a prolonged period.

Choice C reason: Increased heart rate is a typical response to pain. Just like increased blood pressure, the heart rate rises as part of the body's sympathetic response to pain, which prepares the body to either confront or escape the source of pain. Monitoring heart rate can therefore provide critical information about the patient's pain levels and overall physiological state.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Physical signs of unrelieved pain include which of the following? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

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