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 ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory status is crucial to monitor because patients with acute neurological deficits, such as those seen in strokes, are at risk of respiratory compromise. This can be due to weakened respiratory muscles or aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications.
Choice B reason: Monitoring liver enzymes is not directly related to the acute management of a stroke patient. Liver enzymes would be more relevant in cases where liver function or hepatic issues are suspected, but not for this specific scenario.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure monitoring is vital, as hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke. Maintaining appropriate blood pressure is essential to prevent further neurological damage and complications. Acute changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening or improvement of the patient's condition.
Choice D reason: Neurological status should be continuously monitored to assess the progression of the patient's stroke symptoms. This includes checking for changes in level of consciousness, motor function, speech, and other neurological signs. Prompt detection of changes can guide immediate interventions.
Choice E reason: Potassium level monitoring is not a primary focus in the acute management of stroke. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not as critical as respiratory status, blood pressure, and neurological status in this context.
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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