You are caring for a patient who has Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) who is in the hospital for an acute worsening of their disease. Your patient is receiving ATC opioids for their severe pain, when they suddenly report a new sharp pain in their left shoulder. What is your BEST action?
Call the MD to report a potential Emergency
Call the MD to request a X-ray of the shoulder
Perform a head to toe assessment and then chart your findings
Call the MD to request an increase to their opioid dosage
The Correct Answer is A
A. A sudden new pain in a patient with SCD can be a sign of a serious complication, such as acute chest syndrome or stroke. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to identify and address any underlying complications.
B. While an X-ray may be helpful to rule out other causes of shoulder pain, it is not the most urgent priority in this case. The patient's sudden onset of pain could be a sign of a serious complication that requires immediate attention.
C. While a head-to-toe assessment is important for any patient, it is not the most urgent priority in this case. The patient's new pain could be a sign of a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
D. Increasing the opioid dosage may provide temporary relief from the pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of the new pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. In iron deficiency anemia, serum iron levels are typically low due to a deficiency in iron. Additionally, the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is often low because the red blood cells produced are smaller than normal (microcytic).
B. Similar to option A, serum iron levels in iron deficiency anemia would be low, not high. The MCV may be low or normal, but it would not be high due to the production of microcytic red blood cells.
C. In iron deficiency anemia, TIBC is usually high because the body is trying to maximize iron transport in response to low iron levels. Serum iron is low, and the MCV is low due to the production of smaller red blood cells.
D. This option is incorrect because option C accurately describes the expected lab results in iron deficiency anemia.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.