Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease ( 15 Questions)
The patient states, "I always feel tired, and I get sick easily, especially with respiratory infections.”.
Based on this information, what aspect of sickle cell disease is the nurse likely evaluating in this patient?
Chronic hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia is not the primary concern described by the patient. While individuals with sickle cell disease can experience episodes of hypoxia, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections. Chronic hypoxia could be a consequence of the disease, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this case.
Impaired immune function. The patient's complaints of feeling tired and getting sick easily, especially with respiratory infections, suggest impaired immune function. Sickle cell disease can affect the spleen, which plays a crucial role in the immune system. Many individuals with this condition experience functional asplenia, making them more susceptible to infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. This compromised immune function is a significant concern for patients with sickle cell disease, and the nurse should assess and address it.
Delayed growth and development. Delayed growth and development are not the primary concerns mentioned by the patient in this scenario. While children with sickle cell disease can experience delayed growth and development due to chronic anemia and other factors, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, which are more indicative of impaired immune function.
Vascular occlusion. Vascular occlusion can be a significant issue in sickle cell disease, leading to pain and tissue damage, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this patient based on the information provided. The patient's chief complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, suggesting that impaired immune function is the primary concern.
Impaired immune function.
Choice A rationale:
Chronic hypoxia.
Chronic hypoxia is not the primary concern described by the patient.
While individuals with sickle cell disease can experience episodes of hypoxia, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections.
Chronic hypoxia could be a consequence of the disease, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Impaired immune function.
The patient's complaints of feeling tired and getting sick easily, especially with respiratory infections, suggest impaired immune function.
Sickle cell disease can affect the spleen, which plays a crucial role in the immune system.
Many individuals with this condition experience functional asplenia, making them more susceptible to infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.
This compromised immune function is a significant concern for patients with sickle cell disease, and the nurse should assess and address it.
Choice C rationale:
Delayed growth and development.
Delayed growth and development are not the primary concerns mentioned by the patient in this scenario.
While children with sickle cell disease can experience delayed growth and development due to chronic anemia and other factors, the patient's main complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, which are more indicative of impaired immune function.
Choice D rationale:
Vascular occlusion.
Vascular occlusion can be a significant issue in sickle cell disease, leading to pain and tissue damage, but it is not the aspect the nurse is likely evaluating in this patient based on the information provided.
The patient's chief complaints are related to fatigue and frequent infections, suggesting that impaired immune function is the primary concern.