A 22-year-old man with sickle cell disease presents with severe generalised bone pain, fever 38 degrees Celsius and tachycardia. He is not hypoxic and...

Question

A 22-year-old man with sickle cell disease presents with severe generalised bone pain, fever 38 degrees Celsius and tachycardia. He is not hypoxic and his chest is clear. What is the most important initial management component?

Accepted Answer

Start strong opioid analgesia with adequate hydration and consider antibiotics

Answer

Withhold opioids to avoid dependence

Answer

Start Hydroxycarbamide therapy acutely

Answer

Restrict fluids to avoid pulmonary oedema

Answer

Arrange urgent exchange transfusion for all painful crises

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis

A 22-year-old man with sickle cell disease presents with severe generalised bone pain, fever 38 degrees Celsius and tachycardia. He is not hypoxic and his chest is clear. What is the most important initial management component?