The pediatric nurse plans care for a child experiencing a sickle cell crisis.Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this patient?

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Monitoring respiratory status and oxygenation is important in a sickle cell crisis as the sickled red blood cells can obstruct blood flow and cause tissue hypoxia, leading to acute chest syndrome. This can result in respiratory distress and can be life-threatening. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the patient's respiratory status and oxygenation to detect any signs of acute chest syndrome and implement appropriate interventions promptly. Encouraging increased activity can worsen the crisis as it can increase oxygen demand and cause pain. Using only nonpharmacological pain interventions may not be sufficient to manage the acute pain associated with a sickle cell crisis. Implementing fluid restrictions can exacerbate dehydration and vaso-occlusive crisis, leading to more pain and tissue damage.

The Pediatric Nurse Plans Care for a Child Experiencing a Sickle