A 25-year-old African American male with sickle cell disease presents with sudden onset severe pain in his left arm and leg, unrelieved by his usual home medications. He has a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C) and is tachycardic. His white blood cell count is elevated. What is the most appropriate initial management for this painful vaso-occlusive crisis?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The cornerstone of initial management for a sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis is aggressive hydration and robust pain control. Antibiotics are for suspected infection, and hydroxyurea is for long-term prevention.