The nurse is providing care for an adolescent client who is experiencing pain related to a sickle cell crisis. Which medication does the nurse prepare to administer to this client?

Question

1. Morphine sulfate
2. Meperidine
3. Acetaminophen
4. Ibuprofen

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The pain during a sickling crisis is severe, and morphine is needed for pain control around the clock or by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Meperidine is not used for pain control for clients with sickle cell pain crisis because it could cause seizures. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is used for mild pain and would not be effective for the severe pain experienced by a child in sickle cell pain crisis.