Question

A patient who has sickle cell disease has developed cellulitis above the left ankle. What is the nurse's priority for this patient?

A. Start IV fluids.
B. Maintain oxygenation.
C. Maintain distal warmth.
D. Check peripheral pulses.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority for a patient with sickle cell disease who has developed cellulitis is to maintain oxygenation. This is to avoid exacerbation of the sickling process and to support healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority for a patient with sickle cell disease who has developed cellulitis above the left ankle is Maintain oxygenation. Sickle cell disease can lead to complications such as vaso-occlusive crises where the misshapen red blood cells can clog blood vessels and restrict blood flow and oxygenation to tissues. In the case of cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues, the body's immune response to this infection could potentially exacerbate the sickling process, further compromising oxygen delivery.

Ensuring adequate oxygenation is imperative to avoid any complications from the disease itself as well as support the healing process of the infectious condition. While other options such as starting IV fluids, maintaining distal warmth, and checking peripheral pulses are important components of patient care, they would follow in priority after confirming that the patient's tissue oxygenation is maintained, given the potential for sickle cells to obstruct microcirculation and worsen the infection or lead to further complications.