Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis in Candace, age 16?

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a vaso-occlusive sickle cell crisis in Candace, age 16?

• A. Monitor intake and output.
• B. Administer analgesics prn.
• C. Promote exercise.
• D. Apply cold compresses to painful joints.

Answer: (A)

In a vaso-occlusive crisis, the key is preserving hydration to reduce blood viscosity and improve tissue perfusion, which helps limit sickling and ongoing pain. Monitoring intake and output lets you track fluid balance, recognize dehydration early, and adjust IV or oral fluids as prescribed. This foundational nursing action supports the treatment plan and helps prevent complications from dehydration that can worsen the crisis. Analgesia is essential for pain control, but it requires a prescribed order and proper dosing, so it isn’t the single nurse-initiated intervention here. Promoting exercise is not appropriate during a vaso-occlusive crisis because it increases metabolic demand and can worsen sickling. Applying cold to painful joints can cause vasoconstriction and may worsen ischemia and pain.

In a vaso-occlusive crisis, the key is preserving hydration to reduce blood viscosity and improve tissue perfusion, which helps limit sickling and ongoing pain. Monitoring intake and output lets you track fluid balance, recognize dehydration early, and adjust IV or oral fluids as prescribed. This foundational nursing action supports the treatment plan and helps prevent complications from dehydration that can worsen the crisis.

Analgesia is essential for pain control, but it requires a prescribed order and proper dosing, so it isn’t the single nurse-initiated intervention here. Promoting exercise is not appropriate during a vaso-occlusive crisis because it increases metabolic demand and can worsen sickling. Applying cold to painful joints can cause vasoconstriction and may worsen ischemia and pain.