A patient with sickle cell disease has developed cellulitis above the left ankle. Which action is the nurse's priority for this patient?
Administer antibiotics
Start IV fluids
Assess pain every 4 hours
Maintain oxygenation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotics is essential for treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. However, it is not the immediate priority over maintaining oxygenation, especially in a patient with sickle cell disease.
Choice B reason: Starting IV fluids is crucial for preventing dehydration and helping to reduce the sickling of red blood cells. Nevertheless, while important, it is not the most urgent action compared to maintaining adequate oxygen levels.
Choice C reason: Assessing pain every 4 hours is necessary for managing the patient's comfort and monitoring the progression of the disease. Although pain management is a significant aspect of care, it is not the top priority in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Maintaining oxygenation is the highest priority for a patient with sickle cell disease. These patients are at increased risk for hypoxia, which can exacerbate the sickling of red blood cells, leading to severe complications such as acute chest syndrome or stroke. Ensuring adequate oxygenation helps to prevent these complications and stabilizes the patient's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fluid volume overload is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Instead, patients with diabetes insipidus often experience fluid volume deficit due to excessive urine output.
Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia is not a characteristic problem of diabetes insipidus. This condition involves an imbalance in water regulation due to insufficient production or response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), rather than issues related to blood glucose levels.
Choice C reason: Nocturia, or frequent urination at night, is a common problem in diabetes insipidus. Patients with this condition produce large amounts of dilute urine, which can lead to frequent nighttime urination.
Choice D reason: Generalized edema is not a typical problem in diabetes insipidus. Edema is more commonly associated with conditions involving fluid retention, such as heart failure or kidney disease, rather than the excessive fluid loss seen in diabetes insipidus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Improving public transportation to the clinic would indeed make it easier for residents to access healthcare services. However, this strategy alone does not directly address the cultural and specific health needs of the Hispanic community.
Choice B reason: Obtaining low-cost medications for clinic patients can alleviate some financial burdens and improve access to necessary treatments. While this is beneficial, it does not tackle the root of health disparities related to cultural differences and health beliefs.
Choice C reason: Teaching clinic staff about cultural health beliefs is crucial for reducing health care disparities and promoting health equity. Understanding the cultural background, health beliefs, and practices of the Hispanic community allows healthcare providers to deliver more culturally competent and patient-centered care, building trust and improving health outcomes.
Choice D reason: Updating equipment and supplies at the clinic can enhance the quality of care provided. However, without addressing the cultural competency of the healthcare staff, this strategy does not directly impact health equity or reduce disparities specific to the Hispanic community.
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