A patient with sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital in crisis with severe abdominal pain.While caring for the patient,what is it most important for the nurse to do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most important action for the nurse is to evaluate the effectiveness of narcotic analgesics for pain management. Pain control is the priority in a sickle cell crisis, as uncontrolled pain can lead to vaso-occlusive crises and further complications. Limiting oral fluids is not indicated unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. Encouraging activity may not be appropriate during a crisis due to increased pain and fatigue. While a high-protein, high-calorie diet is important for overall health in patients with sickle cell anemia, it is not the priority in the immediate management of a crisis.

A Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia Is Admitted to the Hospital