A 9-year-old boy with sickle cell disease arrives with chest pain and fever. Triage acuity is ESI 2; T 101.9 F, HR 132/min, RR 28/min, SpO2 90%.

Question

A 9-year-old boy with sickle cell disease arrives with chest pain and fever. Triage acuity is ESI 2; T 101.9 F, HR 132/min, RR 28/min, SpO2 90%. Chest radiograph shows a new right lower lobe infiltrate. Hemoglobin is below baseline. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

Accepted Answer

Admit for oxygen, antibiotics, analgesia, and hematology consultation

Answer

Discharge with oral ibuprofen alone

Answer

Give iron therapy and discharge

Answer

Treat as uncomplicated viral URI

Answer

Schedule outpatient chest radiograph

Sickle cell acute chest syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

A 9-year-old boy with sickle cell disease arrives with chest pain and fever. Triage acuity is ESI 2; T 101.9 F, HR 132/min, RR 28/min, SpO2 90%. Chest radiograph shows a new right lower lobe infiltrate. Hemoglobin is below baseline. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?