Nursing Interventions:

• The nursing interventions for a patient with SCD are based on the nursing diagnosis and the patient’s needs. Some common nursing interventions include:
  • Pain management, which involves administering analgesics (painkillers) such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed by the physician. Pain management also involves providing nonpharmacological measures such as heat or cold therapy, massage, distraction, relaxation techniques, or music therapy to reduce pain and anxiety.
  • Oxygen therapy, which involves delivering supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or mask to improve oxygenation and prevent tissue hypoxia. Oxygen therapy also involves monitoring the patient’s oxygen saturation and respiratory status regularly.
  • Hydration therapy, which involves administering intravenous fluids or encouraging oral fluids to maintain hydration and blood volume. Hydration therapy also involves monitoring the patient’s fluid intake and output and electrolyte levels regularly.
  • Infection prevention and control, which involves administering antibiotics or antivirals as prescribed by the physician to treat or prevent infection. Infection prevention and control also involves providing immunizations such as pneumococcal vaccine or meningococcal vaccine to protect against common pathogens. Infection prevention and control also involves implementing standard precautions such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), or isolation to prevent cross-contamination.
• Transfusion therapy, which involves transfusing packed RBCs or exchange transfusion (replacing sickle RBCs with normal RBCs) as prescribed by the physician to correct anemia or prevent complications such as stroke or ACS. Transfusion therapy also involves monitoring the patient’s hemoglobin level and vital signs before, during, and after transfusion. Transfusion therapy also involves assessing for signs of transfusion reaction such as fever, chills, rash, or dyspnea.
• Education and counseling, which involve educating the patient and family about the nature, causes, and complications of SCD.
• Education and counseling also involve teaching the patient and family about the treatment and management of SCD, such as medication adherence, hydration, nutrition, exercise, and avoidance of triggers such as cold, altitude, or stress.
• Education and counseling also involve providing emotional support, coping strategies, and referrals to community resources such as support groups, social workers, or genetic counselors.