A client with sickle cell disease (SCD) is experiencing a severe episode of pain.
The nurse recognizes this as a:

Sickle cell crisis.

Hemolysis event.

Jaundice episode.

Inflammatory reaction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

A severe episode of pain in a client with sickle cell disease (SCD) is indicative of a sickle cell crisis.

Sickle cell crisis is a common complication of SCD, characterized by sudden, severe pain due to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells that obstruct blood flow in small blood vessels.

This vaso-occlusion leads to tissue ischemia and pain in various parts of the body.

It is a hallmark symptom of SCD and requires prompt management, typically with pain medications and hydration.

Choice B rationale:

Hemolysis event is not the correct choice in this context.

Hemolysis refers to the premature destruction of red blood cells, which can occur in SCD but does not directly correlate with the severe pain experienced during a sickle cell crisis.

Choice C rationale:

Jaundice episode is not the correct choice in this context either.

Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur in individuals with SCD due to the breakdown of hemoglobin from ruptured red blood cells, but it does not specifically address the severe pain described in the question.

Choice D rationale:

Inflammatory reaction is not the correct choice for this scenario.

While inflammation can play a role in the pathophysiology of SCD, it does not directly describe the acute and severe pain experienced during a sickle cell crisis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Skin rash is not the priority problem to identify in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)

While skin manifestations can occur in SCD, such as leg ulcers, they are not typically the most critical issue for these patients.

Pain and discomfort related to sickle cell crisis, vaso-occlusion, and tissue ischemia take precedence as a priority.

Choice B rationale:

Increased energy levels are not a priority problem in a patient with SCD.

In fact, patients with SCD often experience fatigue and weakness, especially during sickle cell crises.

Identifying and managing pain and discomfort are more crucial for the patient's well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Pain and discomfort are the priority problems to identify in a patient with SCD.

Sickle cell crises can lead to excruciating pain in various parts of the body, and prompt management of this pain is essential to improve the patient's quality of life and prevent complications.

Choice D rationale:

Improved lung function is not the priority problem to identify in a patient with SCD.

While lung complications can occur in SCD (e.g., acute chest syndrome), addressing pain and discomfort is more urgent and essential for the patient's immediate well-being.

A. "Jaundice and gallstones are common complications of SCD due to hemolysis, the destruction of your abnormal red blood cells.” B. "Jaundice and gallstones in SCD are caused by excessive iron intake in your diet.” C. "These symptoms occur because of an allergic reaction to certain foods.” D. "Jaundice and gallstones result from an overproduction of normal red blood cells.”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Jaundice and gallstones are common complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) because of hemolysis, which is the destruction of abnormal red blood cells.

The breakdown of these cells releases bilirubin, leading to jaundice, and can also result in the formation of gallstones.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

Jaundice and gallstones in SCD are not caused by excessive iron intake in the diet.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

Allergic reactions to foods do not lead to jaundice and gallstones in SCD.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

Jaundice and gallstones in SCD do not result from an overproduction of normal red blood cells.

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A client with sickle cell disease (SCD) is experiencing a severe episode of pain.The nurse recognizes this as a:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing a nursing assessment of a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)Which of the following is a priority problem to identify in this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with sickle cell disease (SCD) presents with jaundice and gallstones.The client asks the nurse for an explanation.Which response by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

(Select all that apply):A nurse is educating a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their family about the treatment and management of the condition.Which interventions should the nurse include in the education and counseling plan? (Select three)

A client with SCD presents to the healthcare facility with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.The nurse is concerned about potential complications.Which additional clinical manifestations should the nurse assess for?

A client with SCD has an elevated serum ferritin level.What is the significance of an elevated serum ferritin level in a patient with SCD?

A nurse is caring for a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)The patient is experiencing severe pain and requests pain relief.Which nursing intervention is appropriate for managing the patient's pain?

A client with SCD is receiving oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula.What is the purpose of oxygen therapy in the management of SCD?

A client with sickle cell disease (SCD) is experiencing a severe episode of pain.The nurse recognizes this as a:

A nurse is caring for a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD)The patient asks, "Why do my red blood cells become sickle-shaped?" Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

A nurse is educating a group of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) about complications.Select all that apply:

A client with sickle cell disease (SCD) is experiencing a severe episode of pain.
The nurse recognizes this as a: