A client diagnosed with sickle cell disease is seeking advice on avoiding triggers for vaso-occlusive crises.
The patient asks, "What activities should I avoid to prevent these painful episodes?" What education is the nurse likely to provide?
"It's crucial to stay away from extreme temperatures and physical exertion to prevent vaso-occlusive crises.”..
"You should engage in regular physical activities to keep your body in good shape.”..
"Avoiding certain foods can significantly reduce the frequency of painful episodes.”..
"Taking hot showers or baths can help prevent vaso-occlusive crises.”..
The Correct Answer is A
"It's crucial to stay away from extreme temperatures and physical exertion to prevent vaso-occlusive crises.”.
Choice A rationale:
"It's crucial to stay away from extreme temperatures and physical exertion to prevent vaso-occlusive crises.”.
Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can trigger vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease.
Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of blockages, while hot temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can also contribute to vaso-occlusive events.
Physical exertion can increase the risk of sickling, as the cells are more likely to become misshapen and block blood vessels during periods of increased activity.
Choice B rationale:
"You should engage in regular physical activities to keep your body in good shape.”.
While physical activity is generally encouraged for overall health, patients with sickle cell disease need to be cautious about the type and intensity of exercise they engage in.
Strenuous or high-impact activities can increase the risk of vaso-occlusive crises.
The nurse is likely to advise the patient to engage in regular, moderate physical activity that does not overexert the body.
Choice C rationale:
"Avoiding certain foods can significantly reduce the frequency of painful episodes.”.
While a healthy diet is important for individuals with sickle cell disease, avoiding specific foods is not the primary strategy for preventing vaso-occlusive crises.
The patient's question is more focused on activities and lifestyle factors that can trigger these painful episodes.
Diet plays a role in overall health and can indirectly affect the frequency of crises, but it is not the primary concern in this context.
Choice D rationale:
"Taking hot showers or baths can help prevent vaso-occlusive crises.”.
Taking hot showers or baths is not a recommended strategy for preventing vaso-occlusive crises.
In fact, exposure to hot water can lead to dehydration, which is a risk factor for sickle cell crises.
The nurse is likely to advise the patient to use warm, not hot, water for bathing and to stay well-hydrated but not to rely on hot showers or baths as a preventive measure for vaso-occlusive events.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Administering pain medication as prescribed.
Choice A rationale:
Administering pain medication as prescribed is the highest priority when caring for a client experiencing a sickling crisis in sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell crises are characterized by severe pain due to vaso-occlusion, and the nurse's primary responsibility is to alleviate this pain.
Pain medication helps to relieve the suffering and improve the client's overall comfort.
It is crucial to administer medication promptly to prevent further complications and distress.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to engage in intense physical activity is not an appropriate intervention during a sickling crisis.
Physical activity can exacerbate the crisis by increasing oxygen demand, which may worsen tissue hypoxia.
It is essential to encourage rest and limit physical exertion to minimize the risk of complications.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the room at a very low temperature is not a recommended intervention for a sickle cell crisis.
Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, which may further worsen vaso-occlusion.
Maintaining a warm and comfortable environment is more suitable to help ease the client's pain and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to smoke to relieve pain is not a safe or appropriate intervention.
Smoking can lead to vasoconstriction and worsen the client's condition.
It is essential to promote healthy behaviors and provide effective pain management rather than suggesting harmful practices like smoking.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become more flexible.”.
This statement is not accurate.
Hemoglobin S (HbS) actually causes red blood cells to become less flexible and take on a characteristic sickle shape.
This change in shape is a key feature of sickle cell disease and can lead to various complications.
Choice B rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells improve blood flow in the body.”.
This statement is incorrect.
Sickle-shaped cells do not improve blood flow.
In fact, they can impair blood flow by blocking blood vessels.
The abnormal shape of these cells makes them more likely to get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and other complications.
Choice C rationale:
"Chronic hemolysis and anemia are not associated with sickle cell disease.”.
This statement is also incorrect.
Chronic hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) is a hallmark of sickle cell disease.
The abnormal shape of sickle cells makes them more fragile, leading to their premature destruction, which results in anemia.
Choice D rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells can block blood vessels and impair blood flow.”.
This is The correct answer.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and impaired blood flow.
This is a key part of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.