Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

The recommended treatment for mild to moderate pain in individuals with sickle cell disease involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. This approach is effective for managing pain episodes often experienced by patients due to vaso-occlusive crises associated with the disease.

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for treating pain by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. Acetaminophen also serves as an effective analgesic, helping to alleviate pain. Combining these two types of medications can enhance pain control while minimizing the side effects that may arise from using only one class of drug. This strategy is essential as it helps maintain patient comfort and function while avoiding the potential complications or risks associated with stronger interventions.

Other treatment options, such as hydroxyurea and blood transfusions, are not typically used to address mild to moderate pain directly. Hydroxyurea is more of a long-term management strategy that can reduce the frequency of pain crises by increasing fetal hemoglobin levels. Blood transfusions are usually reserved for severe my pain management or when there are significant complications, rather than for standard pain relief in mild to moderate cases.