While a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube, the high-pressure alarm on the ventilator sounds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.

B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.

C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.

D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.

E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.

- A. Adjust the crutches for comfort as needed. This is incorrect because the crutches should be adjusted to fit the client's height and arm length, and should not be changed without proper guidance.

- B. Use a three-point gait. This is correct because this gait allows the client to avoid putting weight on the affected leg and maintain balance and stability.

- C. Wear leather-soled shoes. This is incorrect because leather-soled shoes can be slippery and increase the risk of falls and injuries.

- D. Advance the affected leg first when walking upstairs. This is incorrect because the client should advance the unaffected leg first when walking upstairs, and the affected leg first when walking downstairs.