The healthcare provider prescribed octreotide 150 mcg/day subcutaneously for a client with dumping syndrome. The medication is available in 0.2 mg/mL vials. How many mL should the practical nurse (PN) administer? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest hundredth).

Correct Answer: B. Joint pain.

Choice B rationale:

Joint pain is the most common symptom experienced by individuals during a sickle cell crisis. The misshapen red blood cells can block blood flow to joints, leading to severe pain and inflammation. Joint pain is a hallmark sign of a sickle cell crisis, and managing pain is a critical aspect of caring for these patients.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased hemoglobin is not the expected symptom during a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is characterized by sudden and severe pain due to the misshapen red blood cells blocking blood flow and causing tissue damage. While a sickle cell crisis can lead to anemia, the child experiencing the crisis would be more likely to describe pain and not specifically mention decreased hemoglobin.

Choice C rationale:

Infection is not a typical symptom experienced during a sickle cell crisis. While sickle cell disease can increase the risk of infections, the crisis itself primarily manifests as acute pain due to vaso-occlusion.

Choice D rationale:

Fatigue may be experienced by individuals with sickle cell disease, especially during or after a crisis, but it is not the most likely symptom they would describe during a sickle cell crisis. The hallmark symptom of a sickle cell crisis is severe pain.

This is the best action for the PN to take because it provides immediate relief for the client's pain, which can be severe and debilitating in Herpes zoster. The PN should also assess the client's pain level, location, and characteristics and document the response to the medication.

B. Obtaining an oxygen tank for home administration is not indicated for this client and does not address his pain issue. Herpes zoster does not affect the respiratory system and does not cause hypoxia or dyspnea.

C. Giving the next prescribed dose of antiviral medication is not a priority for this client and may not have an immediate effect on his pain. Antiviral medication can help reduce the duration and severity of Herpes zoster, but it does not provide analgesia.

D. Notifying the nursing supervisor of uncontrolled pain is not a priority for this client and may delay his pain relief. The PN should notify the nursing supervisor only if the prescribed analgesic is ineffective or causes adverse effects.