Question

Melissa is a 21 year old African American girl who comes to the urgent care clinic with a complaint of intense pain in the lower extremities and joints. Melissa had felt fine all weekend and even spent the day skiing. 1). What test would need to be done to determine if Melissa has sickle cell disease? 2). What could have been the trigger for Melissa's sickle cell crisis? List 5 additional triggers for sickle cell crises. 3). What are the nursing priorities of care for Melissa during a sickle cell crisis? (List in order of importance)

Answer 1

1.Hemoglobin test

sickle cell test is a simple blood test used to detrmine if you have sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait.

sickle cell often become hard and sticky.

this can increase the risk of blood clots .

they also tend to die off early

symptoms

anemia

paleness

shortness of breathing

joint pains

frequent infection

delay growth

2.sickling may be triggered by conditions associated with low oxygen levels,increased blood acidity,or low blood volume

sudden change in temperature which can make the blood vessels

dehydration due to low blood volume

infections

alcohol

smoking

other medical conditions such as diabetes

3.the major goals for the patient care

relief of pain

decrease incidence of crisis

absence of complication

preventing and managing infection

monitor patient for signs and symptoms of infection

intiate prescribe antibiotics promptly

nurses in outpatient facilities or home care nurses may need to provide follow up care for patient