A client with sickle cell disease is experiencing acute chest syndrome and is having difficulty breathing.
The nurse decides to initiate oxygen therapy.
What is the rationale behind this intervention?

Choice A rationale:

To encourage the patient to avoid stressful situations to minimize anxiety.

Avoiding stressful situations is not a comprehensive solution for managing anxiety and depression related to a chronic disease.

While stress management is important, the primary goal should be to address the emotional and psychological impact of the disease and provide support and coping strategies.

Choice B rationale:

To promote self-care strategies, such as stress management and pain management techniques.

Promoting self-care strategies is a valuable component of addressing anxiety and depression, but the primary goal is to address the emotional and psychological impact of the disease.

This can include providing emotional support, counseling, and coping strategies beyond stress and pain management.

Choice D rationale:

To administer prescribed antidepressant medications to alleviate symptoms of depression.

While administering antidepressant medications may be a treatment option, it is not the primary goal of the nurse's intervention.

The primary goal is to address the emotional and psychological impact and provide support and coping strategies.

Medications may be part of a broader treatment plan, but they are not the primary focus of nursing care.

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.