A patient is being treated on the medical unit for a sickle cell crisis. The nurse's most recent assessment reveals an oral temperature of 100.5ºF and a new onset of fine crackles on lung auscultation. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
A) Apply supplementary oxygen by nasal cannula.
B) Administer bronchodilators by nebulizer.
C) Liaise with the respiratory therapist and consider high-flow oxygen.
D) Inform the primary care provider that the patient may have an infection.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Patients with sickle cell disease are highly susceptible to infection,thus any early signs of infection should be reported promptly. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, so oxygen therapy and bronchodilators are not indicated.
You might also like to view...
A patient with a current history of drug abuse is admitted to the unit. The next morning the patient begins to display abstinence syndrome. The nurse anticipates signs and symptoms con-sistent with which of the following conditions?
a. Toxicity b. Psychologic dependence c. Physical dependence d. Drug tolerance
Which nursing intervention will be most effective when assisting the patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) to make appropriate dietary changes?
a. Give the patient a list of low-sodium, low-cholesterol foods that should be included in the diet. b. Emphasize the increased risk for heart problems unless the patient makes the dietary changes. c. Help the patient modify favorite high-fat recipes by using monosaturated oils when possible. d. Inform the patient that a diet containing no saturated fat and minimal salt will be necessary.
The parents of a 3-month-old ask the nurse what behavior they should expect. The nurse informs the parents that the child will be able to:
1. Say Da-da 2. Smile responsively 3. Differentiate strangers 4. Play social peekaboo games
The nurse is researching matriarchal cultures to understand how this family pattern affects healthcare. Which culture should the nurse anticipate to research?
A. Filipino. B. African American. C. Italian D. Appalachian.