What should the floor nurse include in the client's immediate plan of care for priapism in a sickle cell crisis after nifedipine administration?

What should the floor nurse include in the client's immediate plan of care for priapism in a sickle cell crisis after nifedipine administration?

• A. Ensuring ready access to epinephrine and preparing for a possible urologic procedure
• B. Administer analgesic only
• C. Notify family and obtain consent for isolation
• D. Place client in Trendelenburg position

Answer: (A)

Priapism in a sickle cell crisis is a medical emergency. Prolonged, ischemic priapism can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly, so the plan of care must escalate quickly toward definitive management rather than just comfort measures. The reason this option is best is that it prioritizes readiness for urgent urologic intervention. If priapism persists, procedures such as corporal aspiration and irrigation or other urologic procedures may be required to relieve the obstruction and restore normal blood flow. Having the necessary medications and equipment ready and ensuring swift physician/urology involvement helps prevent tissue damage. While being prepared for emergency medications (like epinephrine) is part of overall resuscitation readiness, the critical action specific to this situation is preparing for possible urgent urologic management, not relying on analgesia alone, isolation, or repositioning.

Priapism in a sickle cell crisis is a medical emergency. Prolonged, ischemic priapism can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly, so the plan of care must escalate quickly toward definitive management rather than just comfort measures.

The reason this option is best is that it prioritizes readiness for urgent urologic intervention. If priapism persists, procedures such as corporal aspiration and irrigation or other urologic procedures may be required to relieve the obstruction and restore normal blood flow. Having the necessary medications and equipment ready and ensuring swift physician/urology involvement helps prevent tissue damage. While being prepared for emergency medications (like epinephrine) is part of overall resuscitation readiness, the critical action specific to this situation is preparing for possible urgent urologic management, not relying on analgesia alone, isolation, or repositioning.