Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease ( 15 Questions)
Which statement by the nurse accurately explains the pathophysiology of this condition?
"Hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become more flexible.”. This statement is not accurate. Hemoglobin S (HbS) actually causes red blood cells to become less flexible and take on a characteristic sickle shape. This change in shape is a key feature of sickle cell disease and can lead to various complications.
"Sickle-shaped cells improve blood flow in the body.”. This statement is incorrect. Sickle-shaped cells do not improve blood flow. In fact, they can impair blood flow by blocking blood vessels. The abnormal shape of these cells makes them more likely to get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and other complications.
"Chronic hemolysis and anemia are not associated with sickle cell disease.”. This statement is also incorrect. Chronic hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) is a hallmark of sickle cell disease. The abnormal shape of sickle cells makes them more fragile, leading to their premature destruction, which results in anemia.
"Sickle-shaped cells can block blood vessels and impair blood flow.”. This is The correct answer. Sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and impaired blood flow. This is a key part of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.
Choice A rationale:
"Hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to become more flexible.”.
This statement is not accurate.
Hemoglobin S (HbS) actually causes red blood cells to become less flexible and take on a characteristic sickle shape.
This change in shape is a key feature of sickle cell disease and can lead to various complications.
Choice B rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells improve blood flow in the body.”.
This statement is incorrect.
Sickle-shaped cells do not improve blood flow.
In fact, they can impair blood flow by blocking blood vessels.
The abnormal shape of these cells makes them more likely to get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and other complications.
Choice C rationale:
"Chronic hemolysis and anemia are not associated with sickle cell disease.”.
This statement is also incorrect.
Chronic hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) is a hallmark of sickle cell disease.
The abnormal shape of sickle cells makes them more fragile, leading to their premature destruction, which results in anemia.
Choice D rationale:
"Sickle-shaped cells can block blood vessels and impair blood flow.”.
This is The correct answer.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusive crises and impaired blood flow.
This is a key part of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.