In managing pain for a child with vaso-occlusive crisis, a nurse should:

In managing pain for a child experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis, it is essential to consider both the physical and emotional aspects of pain management. Providing emotional support and implementing distraction techniques can significantly alleviate a child's perception of pain, as these strategies help to engage the child in a way that diverts attention from the discomfort.

Emotional support can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with the pain, making the experience less overwhelming for the child. Distraction techniques, such as playing games, storytelling, or using multimedia (like watching a favorite show), can serve to occupy the child's mind and reduce the focus on the pain. This holistic approach acknowledges the interplay between emotional state and pain perception, ultimately contributing to more effective pain management.

Pharmacological interventions play a critical role as well, but using them alone does not address the psychological aspects of pain, which are especially relevant in pediatric care. It's important to create an environment that supports both physical comfort and emotional well-being.