Case study: Adult with sickle cell disease and chest symptoms. A 26-year-old with sickle cell disease is hospitalized for pain crisis and now has chest pain, fever, and oxygen saturation of 87%. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. possible acute chest syndrome — In this case, the highest-priority finding is possible acute chest syndrome because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

B. generalized limb pain

Answer

C. request for a heating pad

Answer

D. dark urine after poor intake