Question

An 18-year-old African-American female client reports shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, and fever for the past 3 days. She is admitted to the medical-surgical nursing unit with pneumonia and probable sickle cell disease (scd). Select whether the nursing actions are indicated, contraindicated, or non-essential for the client's care at this time.

a. States she has had no shortness of breath since hospital discharge.

b. Has 21 pitting edema in both ankles and feet.

c. Blood pressure = 134/76 mm Hg.

d. Has had no chest pain since hospital discharge.

Answer 1

A young female with pneumonia and potential sickle cell disease requires careful monitoring of symptoms, pitting edema, and blood pressure as part of her care.

Step-by-step explanation:

An 18-year-old African-American female client with shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, and fever indicative of pneumonia and probable sickle cell disease would require careful nursing assessment and care. The presence of such symptoms, along with pitting edema in both ankles and feet, indicate potential cardiac or renal complications, often associated with cardiovascular strain or the sickling crises that can lead to fluid retention. A blood pressure of 134/76 mm Hg is slightly elevated but may be considered within a normal response range to infection and stress in the body. It is essential to continuously monitor for chest pain, as the cessation of pain since discharge is a positive sign, but can change given the complexities of these conditions.