Question

The emergency department nurse performs an admission assessment for a client with priapism of about 3 hours duration who also has sickle cell anemia. What assessment finding is of most concern and warrants immediate notification of the health care provider?

Answer 1

The nurse's most concerning assessment finding for a client with priapism and sickle cell anemia is the prolonged erection itself, which is a medical emergency and can lead to erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessment Concern in Priapism with Sickle Cell Anemia

The assessment finding of most concern for a client with priapism of about 3 hours duration who also has sickle cell anemia is the prolonged erection itself. Priapism is a medical emergency, particularly when associated with sickle cell anemia, as it can lead to tissue damage and potential erectile dysfunction (ED) if not promptly and appropriately managed. In such a case, the emergency department nurse should immediately notify the health care provider to initiate treatment to prevent complications, such as penile ischemia.

In evaluating a patient with priapism, the nurse must assess for factors related to disorders of the male reproductive system. It is important to consider that priapism can be a side effect of medications, underlying medical conditions, or a result of sickle cell crisis, where sickled red blood cells obstruct blood flow in the penile vasculature.