RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
,RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
,RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
, RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
Question 1
A 15-year-old adolescent with sickle cell disease is admitted with a vaso-occlusive crisis. The client
reports pain rated 8/10 in the hands, right knee, and lower back. Vital signs show temperature 37.8°C,
heart rate 100/min, blood pressure 110/72 mmHg, respiratory rate 20/min, and oxygen saturation 95%
on room air. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer oral hydroxyurea as prescribed
B. Apply ice packs to the swollen joints
C. Initiate intravenous opioid analgesia
D. Place the client on strict bed rest
Answer: C. Initiate intravenous opioid analgesia
Rationale: In a vaso-occlusive crisis, severe pain is the hallmark symptom requiring prompt aggressive
pain management. Intravenous opioids provide rapid onset of action and are the standard of care for
severe pain (pain rated 8/10). Oral medications would have delayed onset and may not be absorbed
effectively if the client has been vomiting. Ice packs can cause vasoconstriction and worsen sickling.
While hydroxyurea is a long-term management medication, it is not used for acute crisis management.
Bed rest is appropriate but pain control is the priority.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing a 15-year-old with sickle cell disease during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which finding
requires immediate nursing intervention?
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
,RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
,RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
, RN Pediatric Nursing 2026 Ultimate Study Guide
and Practice Test
Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Sickle Cell Disease:
Comprehensive Examination real
Question 1
A 15-year-old adolescent with sickle cell disease is admitted with a vaso-occlusive crisis. The client
reports pain rated 8/10 in the hands, right knee, and lower back. Vital signs show temperature 37.8°C,
heart rate 100/min, blood pressure 110/72 mmHg, respiratory rate 20/min, and oxygen saturation 95%
on room air. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer oral hydroxyurea as prescribed
B. Apply ice packs to the swollen joints
C. Initiate intravenous opioid analgesia
D. Place the client on strict bed rest
Answer: C. Initiate intravenous opioid analgesia
Rationale: In a vaso-occlusive crisis, severe pain is the hallmark symptom requiring prompt aggressive
pain management. Intravenous opioids provide rapid onset of action and are the standard of care for
severe pain (pain rated 8/10). Oral medications would have delayed onset and may not be absorbed
effectively if the client has been vomiting. Ice packs can cause vasoconstriction and worsen sickling.
While hydroxyurea is a long-term management medication, it is not used for acute crisis management.
Bed rest is appropriate but pain control is the priority.
Question 2
The nurse is assessing a 15-year-old with sickle cell disease during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which finding
requires immediate nursing intervention?
