Question

The nurse is preparing to perform an assessment on a client being admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of sickle cell crisis, vaso-occlusive crisis. Which findings should the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client? Select all that apply.

A. Pallor
B. Fever
C. Joint swelling
D. Blurred vision
E. Abdominal pain

Answer 1

The nurse should expect to note pallor, fever, joint swelling, blurred vision, and abdominal pain on assessment of a client with sickle cell crisis, vaso-occlusive crisis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sickle cell crisis, specifically vaso-occlusive crisis, is characterized by the obstruction of blood flow due to the abnormal shape of red blood cells. Therefore, when assessing a client with sickle cell crisis, the nurse should expect to note the following findings:

• Pallor: This is caused by reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Fever: Inflammation and infection may be present, leading to an elevated body temperature.
• Joint swelling: The vaso-occlusion can result in joint inflammation and swelling.
• Blurred vision: Ocular complications, such as retinal vessel occlusion, can cause blurred vision.
• Abdominal pain: Sickle cell crisis can also cause abdominal pain due to ischemia and infarction of the abdominal organs.