The priority nursing intervention for a client with sickle cell crisis is to

  1. administer pain medication.
  2. administer packed RBC.
  3. administer oxygen.
  4. administer IV fluids.
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: All of the interventions listed are important during a sickle cell crisis; however, administering IV fluids is the priority. Hydration can stop the sickling process of the blood cells by causing hemodilution.