A nurse is providing care for an adolescent who was brought to the emergency department (ED) by their guardians due to pain in the left arm that started the previous evening.
The adolescent has a history of sickle cell disease diagnosed at age 4. They have a prescription for oral morphine sulfate and took one dose the previous evening at 1800 and another this morning at 0900.
The adolescent reports no relief from pain, rating it as 9 on a scale of 0 to 10. For each potential provider’s prescription, specify if the prescription is anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated for the client.
Intravenous fluids (IVF) at maintenance rate
Meperidine IV for pain
Ice packs to the affected area for 15 min on/15 min off
Oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"}}
Choice A rationale
Intravenous fluids (IVF) at maintenance rate is anticipated for the client. Dehydration can increase the viscosity of the blood and promote sickling in clients with sickle cell disease. Therefore, maintaining hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell crises.
Choice B rationale
Meperidine IV for pain is contraindicated for the client. Meperidine has been associated with a higher risk of seizures, especially in clients with kidney dysfunction, which can occur in sickle cell disease due to sickling in the renal vasculature.
Choice C rationale
Ice packs to the affected area for 15 min on/15 min off is nonessential for the client. While cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb pain, it can also lead to vasoconstriction, which can potentially exacerbate sickling. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to use warm compresses rather than ice packs in clients with sickle cell disease.
Choice D rationale
Oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula is anticipated for the client. Hypoxia can trigger sickling in clients with sickle cell disease, so oxygen therapy is often used to increase oxygen saturation and reduce the risk of sickling.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gestational hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and typically resolves within a few weeks postpartum. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of kidney damage.
However, Sarah’s condition does not fit this description because her blood pressure has been consistently high since she was 26, not just during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Chronic hypertension refers to high blood pressure before pregnancy or early in pregnancy. Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures. Given Sarah’s history of consistent high blood pressure since age 26 and her recent seizure at 32 weeks’ gestation, this choice fits her condition.
Choice C rationale
Gestational hypertension refers to high blood pressure that begins during pregnancy. Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures. However, Sarah’s high blood pressure did not begin during pregnancy, making this choice incorrect.
Choice D rationale
Chronic hypertension refers to high blood pressure before pregnancy or early in pregnancy. HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels, and Low Platelet levels) is a serious health condition that can affect pregnant women3. However, Sarah’s symptoms do not indicate HELLP Syndrome, making this choice incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess the level of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s physical health needs to be stabilized first.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Auscultating the rate and characteristics of the child’s heart sounds is the immediate priority. Acute rheumatic fever can lead to serious cardiac complications, so it’s crucial to monitor the child’s heart function closely.
Choice C rationale
While assessing the severity of joint pain is important in managing the child’s comfort, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.
Choice D rationale
While assessing the client’s erythematous rash is part of the overall assessment of a child with acute rheumatic fever, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.
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