A nurse is assessing a child who is in sickle cell crisis.Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationalePain is a hallmark symptom of sickle cell crisis due to vaso-occlusion, which restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. It results from ischemia in affected areas, triggering severe discomfort that requires prompt management with analgesics and interventions to improve circulation.Choice B rationaleConstipation is not typically associated with sickle cell crisis. While dehydration might contribute to gastrointestinal changes, the primary symptoms revolve around pain and vaso-occlusive events impacting blood flow and oxygen delivery.Choice C rationaleHigh fever can occur due to infections secondary to spleen dysfunction in sickle cell patients, but it is not a direct symptom of crisis itself. Fever requires evaluation to rule out underlying causes, as infections pose serious risks for these individuals.Choice D rationaleBradycardia is atypical in sickle cell crisis. Instead, tachycardia may occur due to compensatory mechanisms for ischemia and hypoxia. Bradycardia is unrelated to the vaso-occlusive events characteristic of sickle cell crises. .