A nurse is assessing a patient with sickle cell disease who complains of frequent infections and fatigue.
The patient states, "I always feel tired, and I get sick easily, especially with respiratory infections.”.
Based on this information, what aspect of sickle cell disease is the nurse likely evaluating in this patient?

Impaired immune function.

Choice A rationale:

Chronic hypoxia.

Chronic hypoxia is not the primary concern described by the patient.

While individuals with sickle cell disease can experience episodes of hypoxia, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections.

Chronic hypoxia could be a consequence of the disease, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Impaired immune function.

The patient's complaints of feeling tired and getting sick easily, especially with respiratory infections, suggest impaired immune function.

Sickle cell disease can affect the spleen, which plays a crucial role in the immune system.

Many individuals with this condition experience functional asplenia, making them more susceptible to infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.

This compromised immune function is a significant concern for patients with sickle cell disease, and the nurse should assess and address it.

Choice C rationale:

Delayed growth and development.

Delayed growth and development are not the primary concerns mentioned by the patient in this scenario.

While children with sickle cell disease can experience delayed growth and development due to chronic anemia and other factors, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, which are more indicative of impaired immune function.

Choice D rationale:

Vascular occlusion.

Vascular occlusion can be a significant issue in sickle cell disease, leading to pain and tissue damage, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this patient based on the information provided.

The patient's chief complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, suggesting that impaired immune function is the primary concern.

Providing emotional support and counseling to help patients cope with the chronic nature of the disease.

Choice A rationale:

Administering antibiotics prophylaxis to prevent infections.

This option is not the intervention described by the nurse in the scenario.

The nurse is discussing pain management strategies and the importance of taking prescribed pain medications promptly.

Antibiotics prophylaxis is a different aspect of care for sickle cell disease that focuses on preventing infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated bacteria.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging adequate hydration to prevent dehydration and promote blood flow.

While adequate hydration is essential for individuals with sickle cell disease to prevent dehydration and promote blood flow, it is not the intervention described by the nurse in this scenario.

The nurse is specifically addressing the importance of taking pain medications and ensuring their effectiveness.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting with activities of daily living and mobility to prevent complications and maintain independence.

Assisting with activities of daily living and mobility is an important aspect of care for patients with sickle cell disease, but it is not the intervention mentioned by the nurse in this scenario.

The nurse is emphasizing the need for effective pain management, which is crucial for patients experiencing vaso-occlusive crises.

Choice D rationale:

Providing emotional support and counseling to help patients cope with the chronic nature of the disease.

The nurse is describing the importance of providing emotional support and counseling to help patients cope with the chronic nature of sickle cell disease and the pain associated with it.

This intervention is critical for addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease and ensuring that patients can manage their pain effectively.

It also promotes overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with this chronic condition.