HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

In caring for a 35-year-old client with sickle cell crisis, what should the nurse do when the client requests something for pain?

1. Administer a placebo

2. Encourage increased fluid intake

3. Administer the prescribed analgesia

4. Recommend relaxation exercises for pain control

The correct answer is: Administer the prescribed analgesia

In the management of pain associated with a sickle cell crisis, the most appropriate action is to administer the prescribed analgesia. Sickle cell crisis can cause significant pain due to the sickling of red blood cells, which leads to vaso-occlusive episodes that block blood flow and result in ischemia and pain. Addressing the patient's request for pain relief promptly and effectively is essential for managing their comfort and overall well-being. Prescribed analgesics are typically tailored to the severity of the pain and are considered a standard part of care in these situations. While other options may play a role in the overall management of a sickle cell crisis, they do not address the immediate need for pain relief as effectively as administering analgesia. Increased fluid intake can help manage the hemoconcentration that often accompanies a crisis, and relaxation exercises may promote general comfort and anxiety reduction. However, these interventions do not provide direct and immediate pain relief, which is the primary concern when the patient explicitly requests assistance with pain. Therefore, the priority should be to adhere to the prescribed analgesia regimen to ensure effective pain management.