Sickle Cell Anemia

Question 1

Is this autosomal trait recessive or dominant?

Answer 1

Recessive; most commonly seen in African Americans

Question 2

How is this condition inherited?

Answer 2

A child receives the gene from both parents.

Question 3

How long do sickled RBCs live compared to normal RBCs?

Answer 3

6-20 days; normal is 120

Question 4

What does this put the patient at risk for?

Answer 4

Anemia

Question 5

What test determines sickle cell anemia?

Answer 5

Hemoglobin - shows anemia

Sickle testing of blood

Question 6

The acute exacerbation of sickle cell anemia is called ____ ____ ____

Answer 6

Sickle cell crisis or vaso-occlusive crisis

Question 7

The most common cause is ______

Answer 7

Dehydration

Question 8

This causes the sickled blood to do what?

Answer 8

Clot

Question 9

How do you treat a sickle cell crisis?

Answer 9

Hydrate with oral and IV fluids, give 02 to increase tissue perfusion; a blood transfusion may be needed;
give pain meds - very painful

Question 10

During a sickle cell crisis, which intervention is done first— give 02 or hydrate with IV fluids?

Answer 10

Hydrate with IV fluids;
remember, during a crisis the blood is clumped together, so the goal is to decrease the viscosity of the blood. 02 will not reverse the cause; it will only prevent more clumping.