In a vaso-occlusive crisis, what should the nurse do for a client using a PCA pump, locked out for another 10 minutes?

In a vaso-occlusive crisis, the priority is to relieve the patient's pain effectively. Applying prescribed warm, wet compresses is beneficial in this context because heat can help to improve blood flow and reduce pain associated with the crisis. This non-pharmacological intervention can provide the client with some relief while they wait for the pain medication to become available from the PCA pump.

Utilizing warm compresses is a common practice in pain management for vaso-occlusive crises, particularly in conditions like sickle cell disease. The heat helps by relaxing the muscles and dilating blood vessels, which can alleviate cramping and improve circulation in affected areas.

While other options, like providing distractions or notifying the primary healthcare provider, may be helpful in certain circumstances, they do not address the immediate need for pain relief in the same effective manner as applying heat. Telling the client to wait for the medication could increase their distress and discomfort, which is not favorable in managing a vaso-occlusive crisis.