A 20-year-old with sickle cell disease presents with severe bone pain, and oxygen saturation of 97 percent. What does NICE advise about analgesia?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Offer strong opioid analgesia within 30 minutes of arrival
- Step 1: Painful crisis is an emergency.
- Step 2: NICE advises rapid analgesia, with hydration and monitoring.
Answer
Offer strong opioid analgesia within 30 minutes of arrival.
Why not the others: Delay analgesia until the haemoglobin and reticulocyte count are back: Delay prolongs severe pain without benefit. Withhold opioids to avoid any risk of addiction developing: Addiction fears should not delay analgesia in crisis. Offer paracetamol only and discharge with advice to drink more: Paracetamol alone is inadequate for severe pain.
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