Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease ( 15 Questions)
The child's parent reports, "My child always looks pale and gets tired very easily.”.
Based on this information, which complication of sickle cell disease is the nurse most likely assessing in this patient?
Pulmonary Hypertension Sickle cell disease is primarily characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin (HbS), leading to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells. While pulmonary hypertension can occur in patients with sickle cell disease, it is not the most likely complication based on the presented symptoms. The patient's paleness and easy fatigue are more indicative of anemia, which is a common complication in sickle cell disease. Anemia results from a reduced number of functional red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity and fatigue.
No explanation
Hematuria Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, can occur in sickle cell disease, but it is not the most likely complication based on the child's reported symptoms of paleness and easy fatigue. Hematuria may be associated with other complications such as kidney damage, but it is not the primary concern in this case.
Functional Asplenia Functional asplenia refers to the impaired function of the spleen, which is a common complication in sickle cell disease. However, the symptoms described by the child's parent, including paleness and easy fatigue, are more indicative of anemia, which is a consequence of sickle cell disease.
Choice A rationale:
Pulmonary Hypertension Sickle cell disease is primarily characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin (HbS), leading to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells.
While pulmonary hypertension can occur in patients with sickle cell disease, it is not the most likely complication based on the presented symptoms.
The patient's paleness and easy fatigue are more indicative of anemia, which is a common complication in sickle cell disease.
Anemia results from a reduced number of functional red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity and fatigue.
Choice C rationale:
Hematuria Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, can occur in sickle cell disease, but it is not the most likely complication based on the child's reported symptoms of paleness and easy fatigue.
Hematuria may be associated with other complications such as kidney damage, but it is not the primary concern in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Functional Asplenia Functional asplenia refers to the impaired function of the spleen, which is a common complication in sickle cell disease.
However, the symptoms described by the child's parent, including paleness and easy fatigue, are more indicative of anemia, which is a consequence of sickle cell disease.