Question

The nurse instructs an African American man who has sickle cell disease about symptom management and prevention of sickle cell crisis. The nurse determines further teaching is necessary if the patient makes which statement?

A. "When I take a vacation, I should not go to the mountains."
B. "I should avoid contact with anyone who has a respiratory infection."
C. "When my vision is blurred, I will close my eyes and rest for an hour."
D. "I may experience severe pain during a crisis and need narcotic analgesics."

Answer 1

A nurse would identify the need for further teaching if a patient with sickle cell disease suggests resting for an hour when experiencing blurred vision, as it could signal a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse instructs an African American man who has sickle cell disease about symptom management and prevention of a sickle cell crisis. A nurse would determine that further teaching is necessary if the patient makes the statement: "When my vision is blurred, I will close my eyes and rest for an hour." This response does not appropriately address the potential seriousness of the symptom, as blurred vision could be indicative of a serious complication like retinopathy or a cerebrovascular event and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.

Appropriate management would encourage the patient to avoid high-altitude areas, which might reduce oxygen levels in the blood and possibly precipitate a sickle cell crisis. Also, it is proper for the patient to avoid contact with anyone who has a respiratory infection to prevent illness that could trigger a crisis. Acknowledging the need for narcotic analgesics indicates an understanding of the potential severity of pain during a crisis.