You are an RN working in a busy Emergency Department and have just received a new patient who smells like alcohol, has bloodshot eyes, and reports a severe headache. The patient states that he hasn't had a real meal in a long time, and drinks several large bottles of alcohol daily. What do you anticipate administering to this patient based upon his history?

A. Timolol is a beta-blocker used primarily to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. It would not address the issues presented by this patient, who is likely dealing with alcohol-related complications.
B. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. While the patient reports a severe headache, administering acetaminophen may not be advisable due to potential liver damage from alcohol use, especially if the patient has not eaten properly. Chronic alcohol use can also increase the risk of hepatotoxicity with acetaminophen.
C. Aspirin is another pain reliever that could potentially be used for headaches. However, like acetaminophen, it carries risks for patients with alcohol use, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, aspirin should be used cautiously in cases of possible liver impairment.
D. A "banana bag" is a term for an intravenous solution often used in patients with alcohol use disorder to provide hydration and essential vitamins, especially thiamine, which can prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy. It typically contains normal saline or dextrose, electrolytes, and vitamins (including B1, B6, and B12).

A. Airplane flights can trigger a crisis due to changes in altitude and decreased oxygen levels in the cabin. The lower atmospheric pressure and reduced oxygen can contribute to sickling of red blood cells, increasing the risk of a crisis.
B. Dehydration is a significant trigger for sickle cell crises. It can lead to hemoconcentration, making the blood more viscous and promoting sickling of the red blood cells. Maintaining hydration is crucial for preventing crises.
C. Exposure to cold weather can trigger vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell patients. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and increasing the likelihood of sickling and pain episodes.
D. Any illness, particularly infections, can trigger a sickle cell crisis. Infections can lead to increased metabolic demand, dehydration, and inflammatory responses, all of which can contribute to vaso- occlusion and pain.
E. While certain sensory stimuli can affect individuals with various conditions (like migraines), flashing light patterns on television are not commonly recognized triggers for a sickle cell crisis. There is no substantial evidence linking this to vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease.