I'm currently using Lacharity PDA and today I came across with this question about Sickle cell anemia:
A 32-year-old patient with sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital during a sickle cell crisis. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider will you implement first?
1. Give morphine sulfate 4 to 8 mg IV every hour as needed.
2. Administer 100% oxygen using a non-rebreather mask.
3. Start a 14-gauge IV line and infuse normal saline at 200 mL/hr.
4. Give pneumococcal (Pneumovax) and Haemophilus influenzae (ActHIB) vaccines.
I piked #3 because hydration helps to decrease the viscosity of the blood, fluids will help with better blood flow, improving oxygenation and tissue perfusion. However, the book states that the priority is #2 oxygenation because hypoxia and deoxygenation is the priority. but how will it help if there is a problem with occlusion of RBC?.
I need clarification. Thanks