Question

1. Discuss factors that can precipitate a sickle cell crisis.

2. Create a care plan for the patient presenting in sickle cell crisis.

3. Create an education plan for the patient being discharged following hospitalization for sickle cell crisis.

Answer 1

Answer : A sickle cell crisis is a painful episode that may begin suddenly in a person who has sickle cell disease. A sickle cell crisis occurs when sickle -shaped red blood cells clumb together and block small blood vessels that carry blood to certain organs ,muscles and bones. Factors can precipitate sickle cell crisis : 1) Sudden change in temperature, which can make the blood vessel narrow . 2) Very strenuous or excessive exercise which can cause shortage of oxygen . 3) dehydration cause low  blood volume 4) infections 5) stress 6) high altitudes due to low oxygen concentration in the air 7) alcohol 8) smoking 9) pregnancy 10) other medications such as diabetes. CARE PLAN : Home care plans : 1) Heating pads : Applying heating pads help to relieve pain 2) Drinking plenty of Water helps to avoid dehydration 3) Warm baths : Avoid taking baths in cold water and taking bath in warm water helps to get pain relief . 4) massage : gently massage the body helps to reduce pain . 5) Take other medications such as pain killers and antibiotics according to doctors advise. 6) Encourage to engage in activities that doesn't require too much physical effort 7) Tell the patient to take adequate healthy diet 8) Tell them to stop smoking and alcohol . Education plan : 1) instruct the patient to reach the hospital if any symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain ,seizures, severe headache s, belly swelling and other conditions occur . 2) Tell the patient to take vaccines to prevent viral infections 3) instruct the patient to stop alcohol and smoking 4) Tell them to adopt a healthy food habits and exercise regimen .5) Take follow up regular medications 5)Avoid staying in extreme weather conditions.